Written by on . Last updated December 12th, 2024.

In the evening of Sunday December 8th, 2024, a shallow and significant M5.6 earthquake hit under land 13 kilometer from La Unión in El Salvador. Earthquakes like this can cause significant economic damage but are usually unlikely to result on large numbers of fatalities. Other countries near the epicenter include Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala.

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Earthquake Summary

The earthquake struck on land in El Salvador, 13 kilometer (8 mi) south-southwest of La Unión. The center of this earthquake had a very shallow depth of 15 km. Shallow earthquakes usually have a larger impact than earthquakes deep in the earth.

Date and Time: Dec 8, 2024 09:50PM (El Salvador Time)
- Dec 9, 2024 03:50 Universal Time.
Location: 13 km SSW of La Unión, El Salvador.
Coordinates 13°13'14"N 87°52'30"W.
Map: Map of area around epicenter.
Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps.
Magnitude: MAG 5.6
Detected by 45 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.046 .
Depth: 15 km (10 mi)
A very shallow depth.
Max. Intensity:
VII
Very Strong

On the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Tsunami Risk: Tsunami very unlikely
While this was a shallow earthquake in a coastal area, it appears to have occurred under land (1 km from the sea) with a magnitude that is usually not strong enough to cause tsunami's.
Always stay cautious - More info here.

Significant economic impact

Based on scientific estimates by the US Geographic Survey (USGS), the risk of high fatalities for this earthquake is classified at level GREEN (low). They expect an 65% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 fatalities, and a 96% chance that the number of fatalities falls no higher than 10.

The USGS classifies the economic impact of this earthquake at level YELLOW (significant). They expect an 35% likelyhood of between 1 and 10 million US Dollars in economic damage and impact, and a 90% chance that the economic impact of this earthquake falls no higher than 100 million USD.

Roughly 16 million people exposed to shaking

An estimated 16 million have been exposed to shaking (An MMI or Modified Mercalli Intensity level II or higher) as a result of this earthquake according scientific estimates published by the USGS.

An estimated 9,960 people were exposed to level VII. At this level, very strong shaking and likely moderate damage can be expected. The majority of people (roughly 12 million) live in an area exposed to level III, where weak shaking and probably no damage is expected.

People in 4 countries have been exposed to shaking. In El Salvador , around 5.9 million people, with impact levels up to VII (very strong shaking, likely moderate damage). Roughly 3.9 million people were exposed to shaking in Nicaragua . Roughly 5.4 million people were exposed to shaking in Honduras . People were exposed to shaking in Guatemala as well.

People MMI Level Shaking Damage
0
I
Not noticable None
54,530
II
Very weak None
11,590,000
III
Weak Probably none
3,607,000
IV
Light Likely none
523,900
V
Moderate Very light
100,200
VI
Strong Light
9,960
VII
Very Strong Moderate
0
VIII
Severe Moderate to heavy
0
IX
Violent Heavy
0
X
Extreme Very heavy

Nearby towns and cities

El Salvador , Honduras , Nicaragua and Guatemala are all located within 300km distance of the epicenter of the earthquake.

La Unión in La Unión, El Salvador is the nearest significant place from the epicenter. The earthquake occurred 13 kilometer (8 mi) south-southwest of La Unión. The intensity of shaking and damage in La Unión is estimated to be around level VI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (strong shaking, probably light damage).

Multiple large cities are in proximity of today's earthquake. Tegucigalpa is located 120 km to the north-east and experienced an intensity of IV (light shaking, likely no damage). Managua is located 214 km to the south-east and experienced an intensity of III (weak shaking, probably no damage). San Miguel is located 44 km to the northwest and experienced an intensity of V (moderate shaking, very light damage).

An overview of nearby towns and cities is available in the overview below. If places don't have intensity data available, it likely means the experienced impact in those places was fairly small.

Overview of nearby places

Distance Place Intensity (MMI)
13 km (8 mi)
NNE from epicenter
La Unión

La Unión, El Salvador.
VI
Strong
44 km (27 mi)
NW from epicenter
San Miguel

San Miguel, El Salvador.
V
Moderate
52 km (32 mi)
ENE from epicenter
San Lorenzo

Valle, Honduras.
V
Moderate
54 km (34 mi)
WNW from epicenter
San Rafael Oriente

San Miguel, El Salvador.
V
Moderate
59 km (37 mi)
NNW from epicenter
San Francisco

Morazán, El Salvador.
IV
Light
64 km (40 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Usulután

Usulután, El Salvador.
IV
Light
70 km (43 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Santiago de María

Usulután, El Salvador.
IV
Light
73 km (45 mi)
W from epicenter
Puerto El Triunfo

Usulután, El Salvador.
IV
Light
75 km (47 mi)
E from epicenter
Ciudad Choluteca

Choluteca, Honduras.
IV
Light
99 km (62 mi)
SE from epicenter
El Viejo

Chinandega, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
104 km (65 mi)
SE from epicenter
Chinandega

Chinandega, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
107 km (66 mi)
E from epicenter
Somotillo

Chinandega, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
109 km (68 mi)
NW from epicenter
Sensuntepeque

Cabañas, El Salvador.
IV
Light
110 km (68 mi)
WNW from epicenter
San Vicente

San Vicente, El Salvador.
IV
Light
112 km (70 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Zacatecoluca

La Paz, El Salvador.
IV
Light
112 km (70 mi)
SE from epicenter
Corinto

Chinandega, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
116 km (72 mi)
SE from epicenter
Chichigalpa

Chinandega, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
120 km (75 mi)
NE from epicenter
Tegucigalpa

Francisco Morazán, Honduras.
IV
Light
124 km (77 mi)
N from epicenter
La Paz

La Paz, Honduras.
IV
Light
127 km (79 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Cojutepeque

Cuscatlán, El Salvador.
IV
Light
129 km (80 mi)
WNW from epicenter
San Martín

Cuscatlán, El Salvador.
IV
Light
139 km (86 mi)
N from epicenter
Comayagua

Comayagua, Honduras.
IV
Light
139 km (86 mi)
SE from epicenter
León

León, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
143 km (89 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Somoto

Madriz, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
144 km (89 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Ilopango

San Salvador, El Salvador.
IV
Light
146 km (91 mi)
NW from epicenter
Chalatenango

Chalatenango, El Salvador.
III
Weak
147 km (91 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Soyapango

San Salvador, El Salvador.
IV
Light
150 km (93 mi)
WNW from epicenter
San Marcos

San Salvador, El Salvador.
III
Weak
151 km (94 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Delgado

San Salvador, El Salvador.
III
Weak
151 km (94 mi)
WNW from epicenter
San Salvador

San Salvador, El Salvador.
III
Weak
152 km (94 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Cuscatancingo

San Salvador, El Salvador.
III
Weak
153 km (95 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Mejicanos

San Salvador, El Salvador.
III
Weak
153 km (95 mi)
N from epicenter
Siguatepeque

Comayagua, Honduras.
IV
Light
155 km (96 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Ayutuxtepeque

San Salvador, El Salvador.
III
Weak
155 km (96 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Apopa

San Salvador, El Salvador.
IV
Light
157 km (98 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Antiguo Cuscatlán

La Libertad, El Salvador.
III
Weak
158 km (98 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Ocotal

Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua.
IV
Light
160 km (99 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Santa Tecla

La Libertad, El Salvador.
IV
Light
163 km (101 mi)
SE from epicenter
La Paz Centro

León, Nicaragua.
III
Weak
164 km (102 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Aguilares

San Salvador, El Salvador.
III
Weak
165 km (103 mi)
E from epicenter
Estelí

Estelí, Nicaragua.
III
Weak
166 km (103 mi)
ENE from epicenter
Danlí

El Paraíso, Honduras.
III
Weak
166 km (103 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Quezaltepeque

La Libertad, El Salvador.
III
Weak
177 km (110 mi)
SE from epicenter
Nagarote

León, Nicaragua.
III
Weak
193 km (120 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Santa Bárbara

Santa Bárbara, Honduras.
III
Weak
198 km (123 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Santa Rosa de Copán

Copán, Honduras.
III
Weak
201 km (125 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Santa Ana

Santa Ana, El Salvador.
III
Weak
203 km (126 mi)
E from epicenter
Jinotega

Jinotega, Nicaragua.
III
Weak
207 km (129 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Sonsonate

Sonsonate, El Salvador.
214 km (133 mi)
SE from epicenter
Managua

Managua, Nicaragua.
III
Weak
215 km (134 mi)
E from epicenter
Matagalpa

Matagalpa, Nicaragua.
227 km (141 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Ahuachapán

Ahuachapán, El Salvador.
233 km (145 mi)
SE from epicenter
Diriamba

Carazo, Nicaragua.
III
Weak
238 km (148 mi)
SE from epicenter
Masaya

Masaya, Nicaragua.
III
Weak
240 km (149 mi)
NE from epicenter
Juticalpa

Olancho, Honduras.
III
Weak
242 km (150 mi)
N from epicenter
El Progreso

Yoro, Honduras.
249 km (155 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Jutiapa

Jutiapa, Guatemala.
252 km (157 mi)
NW from epicenter
Chiquimula

Chiquimula, Guatemala.
III
Weak
253 km (157 mi)
SE from epicenter
Granada

Granada, Nicaragua.
254 km (158 mi)
ESE from epicenter
Boaco

Boaco, Nicaragua.
254 km (158 mi)
N from epicenter
San Pedro Sula

Cortés, Honduras.
264 km (164 mi)
NW from epicenter
Zacapa

Zacapa, Guatemala.
III
Weak
266 km (165 mi)
N from epicenter
Choloma

Cortés, Honduras.
277 km (172 mi)
NW from epicenter
Jalapa

Jalapa, Guatemala.
287 km (178 mi)
N from epicenter
Tela

Atlántida, Honduras.
289 km (180 mi)
NNW from epicenter
Puerto Barrios

Izabal, Guatemala.
294 km (183 mi)
WNW from epicenter
Barberena

Santa Rosa, Guatemala.
298 km (185 mi)
SE from epicenter
Rivas

Rivas, Nicaragua.
299 km (186 mi)
ESE from epicenter
Juigalpa

Chontales, Nicaragua.
Cities and Towns around the epicenter of this earthquake.

Earthquake Intensity Map

The intensity in shaking and damage by this earthquake is illustrated through the map below. The highest intensity measured for this earthquake is VII.

I Not felt
II Weak
III Weak
IV Light
V Moderate
VI Strong
VII Very Strong
VIII Severe
IX Violent
X Extreme
Earthquake Intensity Map based on Shakemap Data provided by USGS.

Shaking reported by 64 people in 2 countries

People that feel an earthquake may report their experience to the US Geographic Survey. Currently, 64 people have reported shaking in 25 places in 2 countries (El Salvador, Honduras).We keep updating this article as more ground reports become available. You may report that you felt this earthquake here.

Places with most reports:

  • Tegucigalpa, Distrito Central, Honduras: 26 people.
  • El Tablón, Francisco Morazán, Honduras: 4 people.
  • Santa Lucía, Francisco Morazán, Honduras: 4 people.
  • Yaguacire, Francisco Morazán, Honduras: 3 people.
  • Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad, El Salvador: 2 people.
  • Marcala, La Paz, Honduras: 2 people.
  • La Unión, La Unión, El Salvador: 2 people.
  • Chirilagua, San Miguel, El Salvador: 2 people.
  • Choluteca, Choluteca, Honduras: 2 people.
  • Las Tapias, Francisco Morazán, Honduras: 2 people.

180 Aftershocks detected

After this earthquake struck, 180 smaller aftershocks occurred. A 4.7 magnitude earthquake hit 10 hrs later 15 km (9 mi) east of this earthquake.

In the days before this main shock, 9 smaller foreshocks were detected. Roughly 2 days before this earthquake, a foreshock measuring MAG-4.9 was detected nearby this earthquake.

Overview of foreshocks and aftershocks

Classification Magnitude When Where
Foreshock M 3.5 3 days earlier
Dec 6, 2024 05:30AM (El Salvador Time)
80 km (50 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 2.6 2 days earlier
Dec 6, 2024 11:43PM (El Salvador Time)
78 km (48 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.9 2 days earlier
Dec 7, 2024 12:48AM (El Salvador Time)
79 km (49 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 4.9 2 days earlier
Dec 7, 2024 03:06AM (El Salvador Time)
29 km (18 mi)
ESE from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 2.8 23 hrs earlier
Dec 7, 2024 10:33PM (El Salvador Time)
89 km (55 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.4 21 hrs earlier
Dec 8, 2024 12:30AM (El Salvador Time)
64 km (40 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 2.9 6 hrs earlier
Dec 8, 2024 04:12PM (El Salvador Time)
89 km (56 mi)
WSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.5 5 hrs earlier
Dec 8, 2024 04:40PM (El Salvador Time)
81 km (50 mi)
SSW from Main Shock.
Foreshock M 3.9 37 mins earlier
Dec 8, 2024 09:13PM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Main Shock
This Earthquake
M 5.6 Dec 8, 2024 09:50PM
(El Salvador Time)
-
Aftershock M 4.4 7 mins later
Dec 8, 2024 09:57PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.0 23 mins later
Dec 8, 2024 10:13PM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.8 26 mins later
Dec 8, 2024 10:16PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 35 mins later
Dec 8, 2024 10:25PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.9 42 mins later
Dec 8, 2024 10:32PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 47 mins later
Dec 8, 2024 10:37PM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 55 mins later
Dec 8, 2024 10:45PM (El Salvador Time)
17 km (11 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 1 hr later
Dec 8, 2024 10:55PM (El Salvador Time)
33 km (21 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 1 hr later
Dec 8, 2024 10:57PM (El Salvador Time)
4 km (2.6 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 1 hr later
Dec 8, 2024 11:03PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 1 hr later
Dec 8, 2024 11:11PM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (3 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 1 hr later
Dec 8, 2024 11:14PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.1 1 hr later
Dec 8, 2024 11:17PM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 2 hrs later
Dec 8, 2024 11:32PM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.0 2 hrs later
Dec 8, 2024 11:42PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 hrs later
Dec 8, 2024 11:47PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 2 hrs later
Dec 8, 2024 11:51PM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 2 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:12AM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (3 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 3 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:30AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 3 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:32AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 3 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:34AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.4 3 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:49AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 3 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:16AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 4 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:23AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 4 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:29AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 4 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:33AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 4 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:53AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:21AM (El Salvador Time)
4 km (2.4 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:28AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.1 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:30AM (El Salvador Time)
84 km (52 mi)
SSE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.6 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:36AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:54AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
ENE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:02AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:11AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:17AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 5 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:20AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:23AM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (3 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:27AM (El Salvador Time)
27 km (17 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:30AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
ENE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:37AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:49AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:53AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:59AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (6 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.6 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:04AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 6 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:13AM (El Salvador Time)
33 km (21 mi)
ESE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 7 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:31AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 7 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:40AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 7 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:49AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 7 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:52AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 7 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:00AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 7 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:02AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.8 7 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:17AM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 8 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:22AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.4 8 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:26AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 8 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:32AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 8 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:40AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 8 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:06AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 8 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:11AM (El Salvador Time)
17 km (11 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 9 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:22AM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (4 mi)
ENE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 9 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:35AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 9 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:37AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 9 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:44AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (5 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 9 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:05AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.5 9 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:12AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:21AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:44AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 4.7 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:46AM (El Salvador Time)
15 km (9 mi)
E from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.8 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:51AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:57AM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 08:01AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.8 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 08:05AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (5 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 10 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 08:18AM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 11 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 08:45AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.8 12 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 09:24AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 12 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 09:52AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 12 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:08AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 12 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:09AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (5 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 12 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:13AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:21AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:24AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:26AM (El Salvador Time)
4 km (2.2 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.4 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:30AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 10:49AM (El Salvador Time)
3 km (2.1 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.6 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 11:01AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 11:06AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 11:13AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 11:15AM (El Salvador Time)
3 km (2.1 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 13 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 11:18AM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (3 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 14 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 11:35AM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (4 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.9 14 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:01PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 14 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:11PM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 15 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 12:49PM (El Salvador Time)
15 km (9 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 15 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:00PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 15 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:03PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 16 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:34PM (El Salvador Time)
17 km (11 mi)
ESE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 16 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:38PM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 16 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:49PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
WSW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 16 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 01:53PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 16 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:10PM (El Salvador Time)
5 km (3 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 16 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:16PM (El Salvador Time)
47 km (29 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 16 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:19PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 17 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:23PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 17 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 02:29PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 17 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:19PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 18 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:29PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 18 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 03:58PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 19 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:20PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 19 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:50PM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (4 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 19 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:52PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 19 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 04:54PM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (6 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.7 19 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:05PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 19 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 05:19PM (El Salvador Time)
4 km (2.7 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 21 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:24PM (El Salvador Time)
15 km (9 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 21 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 06:42PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 22 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:49PM (El Salvador Time)
5 km (3 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 22 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:54PM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 22 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 07:56PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.5 23 hrs later
Dec 9, 2024 09:06PM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 1 day later
Dec 9, 2024 10:15PM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 1 day later
Dec 9, 2024 10:29PM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (6 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 12:11AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 12:21AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 12:29AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 02:10AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 02:14AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.4 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 02:21AM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 02:30AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 02:32AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 02:46AM (El Salvador Time)
90 km (56 mi)
SE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 03:01AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 04:11AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 04:30AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 04:34AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 08:48AM (El Salvador Time)
34 km (21 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.6 1 day later
Dec 10, 2024 09:12AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 09:53AM (El Salvador Time)
5 km (2.9 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 10:30AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.6 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 11:28AM (El Salvador Time)
84 km (52 mi)
S from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 12:26PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 12:32PM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (5 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 02:40PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 05:26PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 06:16PM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 06:41PM (El Salvador Time)
15 km (9 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 06:47PM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 06:56PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.4 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 06:57PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 07:07PM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.0 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 07:08PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 07:45PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 08:49PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 08:51PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 08:53PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 09:30PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 2 days later
Dec 10, 2024 11:04PM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 12:14AM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 12:25AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 12:37AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 12:41AM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 12:43AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 03:53AM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
ENE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 04:15AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 04:17AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 04:22AM (El Salvador Time)
14 km (9 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 04:23AM (El Salvador Time)
13 km (8 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.2 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 05:50AM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (8 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 05:53AM (El Salvador Time)
9 km (5 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.3 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 06:35AM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
ENE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 06:49AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 2 days later
Dec 11, 2024 08:17AM (El Salvador Time)
8 km (5 mi)
NNE from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 10:37AM (El Salvador Time)
77 km (48 mi)
SW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 10:50AM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.7 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 12:12PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 3.1 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 02:21PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.9 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 02:37PM (El Salvador Time)
11 km (7 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 03:54PM (El Salvador Time)
10 km (6 mi)
N from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 05:54PM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (4 mi)
WNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.6 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 07:21PM (El Salvador Time)
12 km (7 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.8 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 08:12PM (El Salvador Time)
6 km (4 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Aftershock M 2.5 3 days later
Dec 11, 2024 08:29PM (El Salvador Time)
7 km (4 mi)
NNW from Main Shock.
Detected MAG2.5+ earthquakes within within 100km (62 mi), that occurred in the three days before and after the main shock.

More earthquakes coming?

Aftershocks are usually at least 1 order of magnitude less strong than main shocks. The more time passes, the smaller the chance and likely strength of any potential aftershocks.

The chance that a significant earthquake like this one is followed by an even larger earthquake is not so large. On average, scientists estimate a 94% chance that a major earthquake will not be followed by an even larger one. It is still adviced to be aware of this risk

Read: How to Stay Safe during an Earthquake (cdc.gov).

Earthquakes like this happen often in the region

Earthquakes of this strength are very common in the region. This is the strongest earthquake to hit since August 28th, 2024, when a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit 186 km (116 mi) further west. An even stronger magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck on November 24th, 2016.

In total, 23 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.6 or higher have been registered within 300km (186 mi) of this epicenter in the past 10 years. This comes down to an average of once every 5 months.

Tsunami very unlikely

DISCLAIMER: We strongly suggest to closely monitor advice from local authorities with regards to tsunami risks. Our analysis is based on automatically collected data from external sources, and these might contain mistakes. In addition, earthquakes can cause landslides that may lead to a tsunami, or be a followed by another, potentially stonger, earthquake.

While MAG-6.5+ earthquakes may cause tsunami's, it appears that the epicenter of this earthquake hit under land. In addition, the reported depth is deeper than 100km, making the risk of a tsunami even less likely. However always stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.

Tsunami Risk Factors

Factor Under Sea? MAG-6.5 or stronger? Shallow depth?
Explanation Almost all tsunami's are caused by earthquakes with their epicenter under sea or very near the sea. However stay cautious in coastal areas as earthquakes on land may cause landslides into sea, potentially still causing a local tsunami. Under MAG 6.5: Very unlikely to cause a tsunami.
MAG 6.5 to 7.5: Destructive tsunami's do occur, but are uncommon. Likely to observe small sea level changes.
MAG 7.6+: Earthquakes with these magnitudes might produce destructive tsunami's.
Most destructive tsunami's are caused by shallow earthquakes with a depth between 0 and 100km under the surface of the earth. Deeper tsunami's are unlikely to displace to ocean floor.
This Earthquake This earthquake appears to have struck on land near a coastal area (1 km from the sea). Not this earthquake.
This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.6. Earthquakes of this strength are unlikely to trigger a tsunami.
This earthquake occurred at a depth of of 15 km (10 mi). Earthquakes this shallow could trigger a tsunami.

Sources

Last updated 12/12/24 02:48 (). This article is automatically generated based on available data. We keep checking multiple sources for additional information. This article gets updated as new details on this earthquake become available.

  1. US Geographic Society (USGS): Earthquake us7000nx79
  2. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC): Earthquake 20241209_0000041
  3. Geonames.org: World Cities Database
  4. Google Maps: Static API
  5. Earthquakelist.org: Historic Earthquakes Database

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