A magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit Guatemala, theNational Institute for Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology reported.

According to news posted on the institute's Twitter, the quake was recorded at 1:12 am local time. The epicentre was located 54 kilometres from the town of Masatenango and 84 kilometres from the town of Escuintla. The origin lay at a depth of 36 kilometres.

There have been no reports of possible casualties or damage so far.