Magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes off the coast of El Salvador

Sunday 15 March 2026 - 09:40

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck off the Pacific coast of El Salvador, causing tremors that were felt across parts of Honduras and Nicaragua. Authorities reported no casualties or damage following the seismic event.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred late Saturday evening in the Pacific Ocean at approximately 23:00 local time. The epicenter was located about 67 kilometers northeast of Chirilagua, at a depth of nearly 56 kilometers beneath the seabed.

Authorities monitoring the situation

Emergency services in El Salvador said they were conducting precautionary monitoring after the tremor was felt in several regions. The country’s civil protection agency confirmed that no injuries or material damage had been reported in the hours following the earthquake.

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador also stated that there was no risk of a tsunami associated with the seismic activity.

A seismically active region

Earthquakes are relatively common in Central America, where several tectonic plates interact beneath the Pacific Ocean. The area lies near the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the Cocos Plate, whose convergence frequently triggers seismic activity across the region.

Although the recent tremor caused concern among residents, authorities emphasized that the situation remains stable and that monitoring systems continue to track any potential aftershocks.