CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake occurred off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast on Friday, causing strong tremors across Chiapas and neighboring nations. The U.S. Geological Survey pinpointed the epicenter approximately 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán. The quake was recorded at a depth of 15.2 kilometers. The event took place at 8:48 a.m. local time, or 14:48 UTC. Authorities confirmed two injuries but reported no fatalities or significant structural damage.
Emergency response teams launched inspections throughout southern Mexico shortly after the seismic activity subsided. In Tapachula, a woman leapt roughly four meters from an apartment building during the quake. She sustained fractures and was hospitalized. Officials assured her condition was not life-threatening. Another individual suffered a minor injury from shattered glass inside a commercial establishment. Civil protection units examined homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and public facilities for cracks, debris, and other signs of damage.
The tremor was felt across southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The seismic activity also reached Mexico City, located hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter. Workers evacuated offices and other structures in Guatemala City as the quake intensified. Mexico City’s seismic alarm did not activate because early energy readings stayed below the necessary threshold. Authorities in affected regions activated emergency assessment routes and requested residents to report damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and compromised utility lines.
Tsunami warning concludes after coastal evaluations
Initially, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves between 0.3 and one meter could impact parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican naval authorities recommended staying away from beaches for six hours. Coastal teams monitored communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate while the warning was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea-level increase of approximately 0.3 meters. The tsunami threat was later dismissed after the center reviewed data from the affected coastline.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and triggered multiple strong aftershocks. Early data indicated at least 10 aftershocks with magnitudes between 4.9 and 6. Guatemala implemented national emergency protocols and inspected western departments near the Mexican border. Education authorities suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Road crews also assessed reports of minor landslides and debris along routes in western Guatemala.
Authorities report minor regional impact
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial evaluations revealed no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also reported no major effects from the earthquake. Officials in Oaxaca mentioned residents felt moderate shaking without substantial damage. Local authorities continued inspecting bridges, hospitals, schools, and utility networks. Emergency officials advised the public to adhere to safety procedures during aftershocks and to avoid damaged structures until inspectors confirmed their safety.
The quake occurred near a highly active tectonic boundary where the Cocos Plate is subducting beneath adjacent plates. This region frequently experiences seismic events along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries and no fatalities. Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador had not reported widespread structural damage. Coastal monitoring indicated no ongoing tsunami threat. Seismic agencies kept recording aftershocks and updating technical data as regional inspections continued.