CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off southern Mexico on Friday, causing tremors across communities in Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter as 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, with a depth of 15.2 kilometers. The quake occurred at 8:48 a.m. local time, or 14:48 UTC. By Saturday, authorities reported no fatalities or significant structural damage, although two individuals were injured in southern Mexico.
Demetrio Martínez, head of civil protection in Tapachula, confirmed two injuries related to the tremor. One woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from her apartment building due to distress, suffering fractures but remaining in stable condition at the hospital. Another person was treated for a minor injury caused by shattered glass at a commercial establishment. Emergency personnel inspected buildings, roads, and public infrastructure throughout the border region.
The earthquake’s intensity began mildly in Tapachula before escalating, prompting evacuations of workers and residents. Similar evacuations occurred in offices in Guatemala City during the morning commute. The tremor was felt as far as Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and residents in El Salvador also experienced the shaking. Mexico City’s seismic alert did not activate because initial energy readings did not meet the threshold. Authorities continued inspections after the strongest tremors subsided.
Tsunami risk rescinded following coastal assessments
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning indicating that waves between 0.3 and one meter could impact parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican naval officials advised the public to stay away from beaches for six hours. Coastal communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate were monitored while the alert was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero detected a sea level rise of approximately 0.3 meters. The tsunami threat was officially canceled at 17:02 UTC after reviewing available data.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and was followed by multiple strong aftershocks. Seismic data recorded at least 10 aftershocks with magnitudes between 4.9 and 6 during early monitoring. Guatemala’s disaster response agency activated its protocols and checked western departments for possible damage. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Authorities also assessed reports of minor landslides along roads in western Guatemala.
Limited damage observed during regional inspections
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial reports indicated no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales echoed this, confirming no serious impact from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara reported residents experienced moderate shaking but without major damages. Local authorities deployed assessment teams to evaluate hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility networks. Civil protection officials urged residents to report any cracks, falling debris, or blocked roads via official emergency channels.
The quake occurred near the Mexico-Guatemala border, an area where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American and Caribbean plates. This tectonic activity frequently triggers earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, two injuries had been confirmed, but no deaths reported. Widespread damage was not observed in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami warning was lifted, and seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update information on the event.