CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast on Friday, generating strong tremors across Chiapas and neighboring nations. The U.S. Geological Survey pinpointed the epicenter approximately 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, with the quake occurring at a depth of 15.2 kilometers. The quake struck 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 quickly began inspections throughout southern Mexico following the tremors. In Tapachula, a woman fell about four meters from an apartment building during the quake. She sustained fractures and was taken to hospital; her condition was not life-threatening. Another individual sustained minor injuries from broken glass inside a business. Civil protection units inspected homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and public facilities for cracks, debris, and other damage indicators.
The tremor was felt across southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The shaking also reached Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter. Workers evacuated offices and buildings in Guatemala City as the tremors increased in intensity. Mexico City’s seismic alarm did not activate because early energy readings remained below the necessary threshold. Emergency services in affected areas opened assessment routes and asked residents to report damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and unsafe utility lines.
Tsunami warning concludes after coast inspections
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 staying away from beaches for six hours. Coastal monitoring teams observed communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate while the warning was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea-level rise of approximately 0.3 meters. The center later lifted the tsunami alert after analyzing observations from the affected coastline.
Following the main quake, a smaller offshore tremor occurred, triggering several notable aftershocks. Early data indicated at least 10 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 4.9 to 6. Guatemala activated national emergency procedures and conducted inspections in western departments near the Mexican border. Schools in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu suspended in-person classes. Road crews also assessed reports of minor landslides and debris along routes in western Guatemala.
Authorities report minor regional impacts
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial evaluations found no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also confirmed there was no serious impact from the quake. Officials in Oaxaca noted residents experienced moderate shaking without major damage. Local authorities continued inspecting bridges, hospitals, schools, and utility networks. Emergency officials urged the public to follow official safety protocols during aftershocks and to avoid damaged structures until trained inspectors completed assessments.
The quake occurred near a highly active tectonic boundary where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath neighboring plates. This zone frequently produces seismic activity along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities had reported two injuries and no fatalities. Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador had not documented widespread structural damage. Coastal surveillance showed no ongoing tsunami threat. Seismic agencies persisted in tracking aftershocks and updating technical data as inspections continued in the region.