CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico on Friday, causing tremors across communities in Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter 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. As of Saturday, officials reported no fatalities or major structural damages, with only two injuries reported in southern Mexico.
Tapachula civil protection chief Demetrio Martínez confirmed two injuries associated with the tremor. One woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed, sustaining fractures but being stabilized at a hospital, with authorities stating her condition was not life-threatening. Another individual was treated for a minor injury caused by broken glass at a commercial establishment. Emergency teams conducted inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities throughout the border region.
The earthquake initially registered as a mild tremor in Tapachula before intensifying, prompting residents and workers to evacuate buildings. Similarly, offices in Guatemala City were evacuated during the morning commute. The tremor was felt as far away as Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and residents in El Salvador also experienced the shaking. Mexico City’s seismic alert system did not activate because initial energy readings remained below the threshold for alarm. After the strongest shaking subsided, authorities continued inspections across the area.
Tsunami warning lifted after coastal monitoring
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning 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 officials monitored communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate while the alert was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea-level increase 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 a series of significant aftershocks. Seismic data indicated at least 10 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.9 to 6 during the initial monitoring period. Guatemala’s disaster response agency activated national procedures and conducted damage assessments in the western departments. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Authorities also checked for minor landslides along roads in western Guatemala.
Limited damage found in regional assessments
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that early reports indicated no significant destruction. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also reported no serious impacts from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara mentioned that residents experienced moderate shaking without major damages. Local authorities opened assessment routes and inspected hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility infrastructure. Civil protection teams urged residents to report any cracks, falling debris, or blocked roads through official channels.
The quake occurred near the Mexico-Guatemala border, in an area where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American and Caribbean plates. This tectonic interaction frequently causes earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, officials confirmed only two injuries and no deaths. No widespread damage was reported by authorities in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami alert was lifted, and seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update event details.