Verapaz, El Salvador facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Verapaz
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Municipality
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 Verapaz
Location in El Salvador
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| Country |  El Salvador |
| Department | San Vicente Department |
| Elevation | 2,162 ft (659 m) |
Verapaz is a small town and a municipality in El Salvador. It is located in the San Vicente department. The name Verapaz means 'true peace'. This name comes from the Spanish words verdadera (true) and paz (peace).
Verapaz has experienced two big natural events in recent times. An earthquake happened on February 13, 2001. It measured 6.6 on the Moment magnitude scale, which tells us how strong an earthquake is. Later, in November 2009, the area faced floods and mudslides.
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Where is Verapaz?
Verapaz is found in the central part of El Salvador. El Salvador is a country in Central America. The town is part of the San Vicente Department. A department is like a state or province in other countries. Verapaz is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. It sits at an elevation of 659 meters (about 2,162 feet) above sea level.
What is a Municipality?
A municipality is a local area that has its own government. It includes a main town and the smaller villages or rural areas around it. The people living in a municipality elect their own leaders. These leaders help manage local services. This includes things like roads, schools, and public safety. Verapaz is one of many municipalities in El Salvador.
Natural Events in Verapaz
Verapaz has faced some tough natural challenges. These events show the power of nature. They also show how communities can work together to recover.
The 2001 Earthquake
On February 13, 2001, a strong earthquake shook El Salvador. Verapaz was one of the places affected. The earthquake measured 6.6 on the Moment magnitude scale. This scale helps scientists measure the energy released by an earthquake. Earthquakes happen when parts of the Earth's crust move suddenly. This can cause the ground to shake.
The 2009 Floods and Mudslides
In November 2009, Verapaz experienced heavy rains. These rains led to serious floods and mudslides. Mudslides happen when a lot of rain makes soil and rocks slide down a hill. Floods occur when water overflows its usual boundaries. These events caused damage to homes and land. The community worked hard to rebuild after these natural disasters.
See also
In Spanish: Verapaz (El Salvador) para niños
