CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 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, officials reported no fatalities or significant structural damage, with only two injuries recorded in southern Mexico.
Demetrio Martínez, head of civil protection in Tapachula, 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, though her life was not in danger. Another individual was treated for minor injuries caused by broken glass at a business. Emergency teams conducted inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities across the border region.
The initial tremor was mild in Tapachula, but grew stronger, prompting residents and workers to evacuate buildings. In Guatemala City, office evacuations occurred during the morning commute. The shaking was felt in Mexico City, located hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and also in El Salvador. Mexico City’s seismic alert did not activate because the early energy readings remained below the threshold. Officials continued inspections after the strongest movements subsided.
Tsunami warning lifted after coastal assessments
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 people to avoid beaches for six hours. Coastal communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate were monitored during the alert. 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 analyzing available data.
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 during the initial monitoring period. Guatemala’s disaster response agency activated national procedures and inspected western departments for damage. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Authorities also reported minor landslides along roads in western Guatemala.
Limited damage found after regional assessments
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial reports indicated no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also reported no serious consequences from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara noted residents experienced moderate shaking without major damage. Local officials established assessment routes and examined hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility systems. Civil protection teams urged residents to report 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 interaction frequently causes earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries but no deaths. No widespread damage was reported in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami warning was lifted, and seismic agencies continued monitoring aftershocks and updating information on the event.