More than 950 earthquakes have been reported since Dec. 17 in western El Salvador, affecting 2,242 homes and rendering 5,520 people homeless, news said Tuesday.

The worst-hit areas are the towns of Atiquizaya, Turin and San Lorenzo in the Ahuachapan region, within the reach of 100 km from the capital.

Among the frequent tremors, the strongest occurred on Dec. 20, measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale, while only around 150 quakes were strong enough to be felt.

San Lorenzo Mayor Walter Ortiz told media that more than 1,000 homes in his town were affected with around 400 houses completely destroyed.

"It has been a very sad Christmas for the people here," Ortiz said. "They do not want to leave their homes, and stayed near their properties with their belongings, hoping that the quakes will stop," he added.

In Turin, 274 houses were destroyed and 446 others damaged, while 245 homes were damaged in San Lorenzo.

Source: Xinhua