- Powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of southern Mexico on Friday, with the epicenter located 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, Chiapas, at a depth of 15 kilometers (9 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
- No immediate damage has been reported in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador following the earthquake, with authorities confirming no fatalities.
- Evacuations occurred in Guatemala City as residents fled to the streets during rush hour due to the prolonged shaking.
- Minor injuries were reported in Chiapas, with at least three people injured and some structural damage noted, including gas leaks and collapsed walls.
- Aftershocks have been felt in the region, including one with a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, according to USGS.
- The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had initially cautioned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 km of the epicenter, but later confirmed the threat had passed.
- Mexico's Secretary of the Navy stated there were 'no issues' in the country following the quake, advising the public to stay away from beaches due to potential water level rises.
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico on Friday, with the epicenter located 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán in Chiapas, at a depth of 15 kilometers. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake occurred at 08:49 local time (14:49 GMT).
The tremor was felt across Guatemala and El Salvador, prompting evacuations as residents reacted to the shaking. In Guatemala City, many poured into the streets during rush hour, while in Mexico City, buildings creaked but the earthquake alert did not activate due to insufficient energy levels. Authorities reported no immediate severe damage or casualties in any affected country, although minor structural issues were noted, including gas leaks and cracks in buildings.5
Mexico's Secretary of the Navy, Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, stated, “There is no serious damage,” advising the public to stay away from beaches due to potential tsunami risks. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had initially warned of hazardous waves, but later confirmed the threat had passed.1112
In Chiapas, at least three injuries were reported, and Governor Eduardo Ramírez instructed a suspension of administrative activities. In Guatemala, President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed no fatalities and activated emergency response plans. The region experienced multiple aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 4.7 to 6.0, but overall, the impact was deemed moderate.8
“The USGS recorded a 6.0 magnitude aftershock following the main quake, which struck at a depth of 15 kilometers near Chiapas, triggering a brief tsunami warning. Separately, Ukrainian soldiers expressed outrage over the removal of defense minister, calling it a "blatant slap in the face."”
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