CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit off southern Mexico on Friday, causing tremors across Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán. The quake’s depth was recorded at 15.2 kilometers. It occurred at 8:48 a.m. local time, or 14:48 UTC. By Saturday, officials reported no fatalities or significant structural damage. Two individuals were injured in southern Mexico.
Tapachula civil protection chief Demetrio Martínez confirmed two injuries related to the tremor. A woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed. She sustained fractures and was hospitalized, with officials stating her condition was not critical. Another person received treatment for a minor injury caused by shattered glass at a business. Emergency crews inspected buildings, roads, and public facilities throughout the border region.
The earthquake was initially mild 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 in Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and also in El Salvador. Mexico City’s seismic alert system did not activate because the initial energy readings remained below the threshold. Authorities continued inspections after the strongest shaking subsided.
Tsunami warning lifted following coastal assessments
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning that waves between 0.3 and one meter might reach parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican naval authorities advised people 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 around 0.3 meters. The tsunami threat was officially lifted at 17:02 UTC after reviewing available data.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and triggered a series of strong 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 assessed damage in western departments. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Authorities also reported minor landslides blocking roads in parts of western Guatemala.
Limited damage found in regional inspections
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that early reports indicated no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also confirmed no serious impacts from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara mentioned residents experienced moderate shaking but no major damage. Local authorities opened assessment routes and inspected hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility networks. Civil protection teams urged residents to report any cracks, 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 is responsible for frequent earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries but no fatalities. No widespread damage had been reported in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami warning had been lifted, and seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update event information.