6.9 Earthquake rocks Mexico, Guatemala; death toll hits 5

[malaise]

http://www.ksdk.com/story/weather/2014/07/07/mexico-guatemala-earthquake-death-reported/12288237/
<snip>
At least five deaths were reported after a magnitude-6.9 earthquake rocked much of southern Mexico and Central America on Monday.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblor, which hit at about 7:23 a.m. ET, was centered about a mile northeast of the town of Puerto Madero near the Guatemala border.

"We have reports of damaged homes and apparently three people dead. For now, this is all supposition, we're going by air to make checks," Sergio Cabanas, a spokesman for Guatemalan emergency services, told Reuters.

Twelve people were taken to hospitals and 50 houses were evacuated in the region, which suffered major disruptions to communication, Sergio Vasquez, another spokesman for fire services, told the news service.

[theHandpuppet]

1. Does anyone know if there's volcanic activity in that region?

Wondered if there could be a connection.

[malaise]

2. Tacana

Last eruption 1986

Great question

[malaise]

3. Look at this -shallow quakes since last week

http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/tacana/news/45970/Tacana-volcano-Mexico-Guatemala-shallow-earthquakes.html
<snip>
Tacana volcano (Mexico / Guatemala): shallow earthquakes
Thursday Jul 03, 2014 16:50 PM | BY: T
Recent earthquakes near Tacaná volcano

A number of shallow earthquakes has occurred recently under the volcano. The largest was a magnitude 4.0 event at 5 km depth under the eastern flank. No reports of unusual activity at the volcano are available.

[theHandpuppet]

4. Ah! Very interesting

Also, I note that it says, "No reports of unusual activity at the volcano are available" but I suspect that may change.

[malaise]

5. I'd be moving about now n/t

[panader0]

6. I always thought that volcanos were prevalent along the edges of the tectonic plates

The "Ring of Fire" isn't just a Johnny Cash song.