7.1 Earthquake Occurs in Honduras

On May 28 at 2:24 a.m. local time (4:24 a.m. EDT) a 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred 80 miles northeast of the north coast city of La Ceiba, at a depth of 6 miles. The earthquake caused significant damage in the northern and western part of Honduras. To date there are five deaths, 17 injuries, 80 houses destroyed, one bridge destroyed, and significant damage to some 200 houses, and several bridges, schools, and hospitals. Estimates of the damage is around $100 million.

A second 5.1 magnitude earthquake occurred on June 1st at 12:43 a.m. local time (2:43 a.m. EDT), just south of the north coast city of Tela. No significant damage has been reported from this earthquake to date.

USAID, working with the Honduran Permanent Contingency Committee (COPECO), provided ten rolls of heavy-duty plastic sheeting to temporarily repair damaged walls and roofs on houses. The sheeting had been “pre-positioned” in San Pedro Sula for quick distribution during emergencies like this. In addition, USAID provided mattresses, blankets, and hygiene kits (containing toilet paper, bath soap, clothes soap, bleach, sanitary napkins, trash bags, and a water jug) to people affected by the earthquake. The United States Government was again the first responder to the emergency.