On Thursday night, an 8.1 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Mexico.  It was felt strongly in several Central America countries.

According to the US Geological Survey, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Guatemala’s Pacific coast that night.  The earthquake struck 24 miles southwest of Puerto San Jose, approximately 6.2 miles below the earth’s surface according to the USGS. Over 6,000 people have been affected in the western region of Guatemala where Friendship Bridge is based. Hundreds of homes were damaged, however, no casualties have been reported in Guatemala.

Friendship Bridge is a non-profit organization that provides microfinance, education, and preventive health services to women in Guatemala. Currently, all staff and clients have reported in as safe and with little to no damage to their property.

San Marcos Branch

“Tacana (municipality) area suffered severe damage. To date, no damage has been reported to our clients’ homes from that region.” Rocio Cano (Branch Accounting Assistant).

Huehuetenango Branch

“To date, we have no report about damage on our clients’ homes. In downtown Huehue, zone 10 and 12 had damage but no client was affected. We keep checking.” Oscar Morales (Branch Leader).

Mazatenango Branch

“All staff, family, and clients are fine. So far we have no report of any significant damage.” Andrea Juarez (Branch Leader).

Quetzaltenango Branch

“Everything is fine with the staff and clients. So far we have no information of any client that has been harmed. We continue monitoring.” Jairo Toc (Interim Branch Leader)

Sololá Branch

“To date clients and staff are ok. No facilitators have reported damage to clients, or house damages or other events with clients.” Francisco Ovalle (Agency Leader).

Quiché Branch

“Nothing happened, thank God. Everything is fine. It was only the shock that we had – and the clients too – but at the moment there has not been news of a disaster with any clients.” Delfina López (Agency Leader).

Chimaltenango Branch

“Thank God we are all well. That same night everybody was texting to report that they were ok and their families as well. Regarding the clients for now we have no news that they have been affected.” Elvia Toj (Accounting Assistant)

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We will continue to monitor the situation and update you with any changes.