Focal depths of about 100 km have been reported for this earthquake, although macroseismic observations suggest a much shallower focus, consistent with the detection of surface waves.

[3] The first earthquake in the sequence, although strongly felt in Jucuapa and the neighbouring towns and villages of Chinameca, San Buenaventura and Nueva Guadalupe, caused little damage and no casualties.

The second event, however, caused the almost complete destruction of Jucuapa, with only one badly damaged building left standing.

Two buildings remained apparently unaffected, one of reinforced concrete and the other of a traditional construction that involves metal sheets on a wooden frame.

[3] 350 deaths were reported from Jucuapa with a further 50 from Chinameca and 3 in San Buenaventura (the low number there being attributed to most people watching a football match).