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 reported the epicenter was located 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 confirmed no fatalities or significant structural damage, though two individuals were injured in southern Mexico.
Demetrio Martínez, head of civil protection in Tapachula, reported that two injuries were associated with the tremor. One woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed. She sustained fractures and was hospitalized, but officials assured her condition was not life-threatening. Another person was treated for a minor injury caused by broken glass at a commercial establishment. Emergency crews carried out inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities across the border region.
The earthquake’s initial mild tremors in Tapachula intensified, prompting evacuations of workers and residents from buildings. Similarly, offices in Guatemala City were evacuated during the morning commute. The seismic activity was felt as far away as Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and also reached El Salvador. Mexico City’s seismic alert system did not activate because the initial energy readings remained below the threshold. After the strongest shaking subsided, officials continued assessments of infrastructure.
Tsunami warning lifted after coast monitoring
Initially, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts indicating possible 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 regions near Puerto Madero and Suchiate were monitored while the warning was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea-level increase of roughly 0.3 meters. The tsunami alert was officially discontinued at 17:02 UTC after reviewing the data and observations available.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and was followed by a series of strong aftershocks. Seismic data indicated at least 10 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 4.9 to 6, occurred in the early hours of monitoring. Guatemala’s disaster response agency activated its national protocols and conducted damage assessments in western departments. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Authorities also investigated reports of minor landslides affecting roads in western Guatemala.
Limited damage reported after regional evaluations
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial reports indicated no major damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also confirmed there was no significant impact from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara mentioned that residents experienced moderate shaking but no substantial damage had been reported. Local authorities opened assessment routes and checked hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility networks. Civil protection teams urged residents to report any cracks, falling debris, or blocked roads through official emergency channels.
The quake occurred near the Mexico-Guatemala border, where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American and Caribbean plates. This tectonic activity frequently causes earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries but no fatalities. No widespread damage had been reported by officials in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami threat had been lifted, and seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update event information.