7.5 Earthquake Killed more than 22,000 in Guatemala and Honduras in 1976

Today in Latin American history, a 7.5 earthquake killed more than 22,000 in Guatemala and Honduras in 1976.

The earthquake struck during the early morning (at 3:01 am, local time) when most people were asleep. This contributed to the high death toll of 23,000.

Approximately 76,000 were injured, and many thousands left homeless.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, the 8.3 Riobamba earthquake struck Ecuador, causing up to 40,000 casualties in 1797

Today in LatAm history, the Chilean Navy under the command of Lord Cochrane completed the 2 day long Capture of Valdivia with just 300 men and 2 ships in 1820

Today in LatAm history, former President of Argentina Isabel Martínez de Perón who was in office 1974-1976 was born in 1931

Today in LatAm history, Mexican-American boxer Oscar de la Hoya who won 10 world titles was born in 1973

Today in LatAm history, Chilean footballer Mauricio Pinilla who plays for the National team & Cagliari was born in 1984

Today in LatAm history, a failed coup d’état was led by Hugo Chávez against Venezuelan President Carlos Andrés Pérez in 1992