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’s depth was recorded at 15.2 kilometers. The event took place at 8:48 a.m. local time, or 14:48 UTC. Authorities reported two injuries but no fatalities or significant structural damage.
Emergency response teams began inspections throughout southern Mexico shortly after the tremors ceased. In Tapachula, a woman leapt about four meters from an apartment building during the quake. She sustained fractures and was hospitalized. Officials stated her condition was not life-threatening. Another individual experienced a minor injury from shattered glass inside a commercial establishment. Civil protection units examined homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and public buildings for cracks, debris, and other signs of damage.
The seismic activity was felt across southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The tremors also reached Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter. Workers evacuated offices and other structures in Guatemala City as the shaking intensified. Mexico City’s seismic alarm system did not activate because early seismic readings remained below the necessary threshold. Authorities in affected regions activated emergency assessment routes and urged residents to report any structural damage, blocked roads, or unsafe utility lines.
Tsunami warning concludes after shoreline 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 advised the public to stay away from beaches for six hours. Coastal teams monitored communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate while the warning was in effect. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea level rise of roughly 0.3 meters. The warning was later lifted after the center reviewed observations from the affected shoreline.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and triggered multiple strong aftershocks. Early data indicated at least 10 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 4.9 to 6. Guatemala activated national emergency protocols and conducted inspections in western departments near the Mexican border. In addition, education authorities suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Road crews also examined reports of minor landslides and debris along routes in western Guatemala.
Officials report minimal damage across the region
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial assessments revealed no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also reported no serious effects from the earthquake. Authorities in Oaxaca noted residents experienced moderate shaking without major destruction. Local governments continued inspections of bridges, hospitals, schools, and utility infrastructure. Emergency officials advised the public to adhere to safety protocols during aftershocks and to avoid damaged structures until trained inspectors could perform structural evaluations.
The quake occurred near a highly active tectonic boundary where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath adjacent plates. This zone frequently produces seismic events along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries and no fatalities. Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador had yet to report widespread structural damage. Coastal monitoring showed no ongoing tsunami threat. Seismic agencies continued to track aftershocks and update technical data as regional assessments progressed.