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3 earthquakes rock Guatemala

September 20, 2011 01:24 am | Updated 02:16 am IST - GUATEMALA CITY

Three earthquakes shook a major part of Guatemala in less than 90 minutes Monday afternoon, killing at least one person, authorities said.

The largest quake, a 5.8 magnitude, hit at 12-34 p.m., with two of 4.8 magnitude hitting before and after. All were centered in the same area about 30 miles (51 kilometers) southeast of the capital, Guatemala City.

Firefighters confirmed that the temblors, which shook most of the country, caused a landslide on the highway to El Salvador near the epicenter of Cuilapa Santa Rosa that trapped at least one car and killed one person.

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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 first quake struck at a depth of 38 miles (61 kilometers), the second at 25 miles (39 kilometers) and the third at 23 miles (37 kilometers.)

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The first 4.8-magnitude temblor hit just after noon local time and the third of the same magnitude hit at about 1.20 p.m.

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