6.8 Earthquake off Guatemala

(CNN) -- A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday just off the Pacific coast of Guatemala, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Authorities were evacuating high-rise buildings and homes that might be vulnerable to damage if there were aftershocks, but none had been reported to the USGS so far, the agency's Rafael Abreu told CNN.

The quake struck at 1:29 p.m. (3:29 p.m. ET), about 70 miles from the capital, Guatemala City.

The quake's intensity, according to the USGS, was such that it was also felt in El Salvador.

The quake's epicenter was about 40 miles below the Earth's surface, the USGS said. Earthquakes centered closer to the surface generally can cause more damage.
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I remember a quake hitting one day while we lived in Guatemala City. We ran outside and saw powerlines swinging and walls bending. The earth moving under our feet was the strangest sensation I've ever felt; reminded me of how frail we are and how uncertain life is. I think God can use these things to speak to us.

We will be following this story and be on our knees for all our friends in Guatemala.