Last night at 9:51 pm, a 7.3 earthquake struck just off the coast of El Salvador. It was 65 kilometers off the coast of La Union at a depth of 40 kilometers. There has been one fatality reported in El Salvador, but our partners in the Lower Lempa are safe.

Immediately following the earthquake, the local Civil Protection Committees were activated to monitor the situation. Communities along the coast, including the San Juan del Gozo peninsula were put on a tsunami alert. Civil Protection Committees made sure fishermen and tortugeros (who patrol for nesting sea turtles) were clear of the beach. At 11:45, the tsunami alert was lifted.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and messages. We are grateful that the damage appears to be minimal and that the Civil Protection Committees are well trained, took action immediately, and kept communities safe.

In solidarity,

Tricia

Tricia Johnson

Communications and Outreach Manager