On 7 November 2012 at 10:35 am local time, the southwestern region of Guatemala was impacted by a strong earthquake that provoked fatalities and losses. The 7.4 magnitude earthquake had its epicenter 35 kilometers south of the Port of Champerico in the Retalhuleu Department. The National Coordinating Agency for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala (CONRED) conducted a damage and needs assessment and confirmed that most damages took place in the highlands. CONRED indicated that the effects of the earthquake were most felt in communities in San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Quiche, Quetzaltenango, Totonicapan and Solola Departments. In its bulletin number 2943 of 8 November, CONRED indicated that 52 people were killed, 14 injured and 22 missing. The earthquake also damaged severely more than 500 houses. In addition, the institution commented that 20 temporary shelters have been opened in communities in Quiche, Quetzaltenango and San Marcos; providing shelter to 762 persons thus far.
On 8...
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