The 1986 San Salvador earthquake occurred at 11:49:26 local time on 10 October 1986 with a moment magnitude of 5.7 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent).

[4] The 1986 San Salvador earthquake occurred within the upper crust of the Caribbean plate along the Central America Volcanic Arc.

San Salvador's children's hospital, a marketplace, many restaurants and buildings, and shanty towns were significantly damaged or destroyed.

[6] In response, President José Napoleón Duarte established the Earthquake Reconstruction Committee tasked not only with rebuilding but also with modernizing El Salvador's capital.

To lead the committee, Duarte tapped noted international urban planner and architect Jesús Permuy, who Duarte also asked to remain for another year to train Salvadoran officials on modern urban planning methods and principles following the conclusion of the Reconstruction Committee.