In brief
Guatemala has suspended classes in and around Guatemala City following a major earthquake, with at least two fatalities reported and damage to buildings.
In a major upheaval, Guatemala has closed schools in and around its capital following a powerful 5.7-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday. The quake, which struck about 10 miles southwest of Guatemala City, unleashed landslides that have so far claimed the lives of at least two individuals, a result of debris falling on vehicles, according to reports from local authorities.The tremor and subsequent aftershocks led to significant structural damage, prompting officials to order the closure of non-essential services and schools for safety reasons. The Finance Ministry will also remain closed to assess potential damage to its building.Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo spoke to reporters, confirming that while some infrastructure, homes, and highways sustained damage, the earthquake is not associated with any volcanic activity, despite the country's history of seismic disturbances.With a population of roughly three million people, Guatemala City is grappling with the immediate impacts of this disaster as emergency inspections and rescue operations continue.
