A powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck southern Guatemala late Friday night, sending tremors across the region but causing no reported casualties or major damage.

The quake, initially measured as a 6.0 by Guatemala's Seismology Institute, occurred at 11:52 pm local time (0552 GMT), roughly seven kilometers southeast of the town of Taxisco at a depth of 108 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.

Residents in southern Guatemala reported feeling the tremors. However, civil protection spokesman Rodolfo Garcia confirmed that "no casualties or damage have been reported so far." Authorities are currently monitoring the situation nationwide.

Guatemala, situated at the convergence point of the Caribbean and Cocos tectonic plates, experiences frequent seismic activity. In fact, according to officials, nearly 90 percent of the country's territory is prone to earthquakes.

While this particular quake caused no immediate harm, it serves as a reminder of the ever-present risk of natural disasters in the region. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks. (ILKHA)