Guatemala Earthquake 2011: Tremors Shake Central American Country (VIDEO)

VIDEO: Deadly Earthquake Strikes Guatemala
|

Three earthquakes rocked Guatemela on Monday, with preliminary reports indicating that at least three people have been killed, according to CNN and the Associated Press.

According to Reuters, one of the victims -- in Cuilapa, Santa Rosa -- died in a landslide triggered by the earthquake. It is not yet clear how the other two reported fatalities occurred.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports that a quake with a magnitude of 5.8 hit at 12:34:00 p.m. local time, or 2:34 p.m. EDT. Weaker earthquakes -- both measuring a magnitude of 4.8 -- struck about a half hour before and about 45 minutes after the larger tremor.

Local media also reported that a wall fell on several houses, trapping a family. It was not clear if there were more casualties.

Public buildings were evacuated in the area and school classes canceled, authorities said.

The epicenter of the magnitude 5.8 quake was 32 miles southeast of Guatemala City, the country's capital, according to the USGS.

At least 53 people were killed when an earthquake struck in the Indian state of Sikkim on the India-Nepal border on Sunday.

UPDATE 6:08 p.m. EDT

The Associated Press is reporting that one person was killed when as many as four earthquakes struck the region today. CNN and Reuters report the death toll has reached three.

UPDATE 6:31 p.m. EDT

The Associated Press reports four earthquakes rocked Guatemala today.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost