CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico on Friday, causing tremors in communities across Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the epicenter as being 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, at a depth of 15.2 kilometers. The seismic event occurred at 8:48 a.m. local time, or 14:48 UTC. As of 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, noted two injuries associated with the quake. One woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed, sustaining fractures but was taken to a hospital with her life not in danger. Another person was treated for a minor injury caused by broken glass at a local business. Emergency crews conducted inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities throughout the border region.
The initial tremor was mild in Tapachula before intensifying, prompting residents and workers to evacuate buildings. Similar evacuations occurred at offices in Guatemala City during the morning commute. Despite the distance from the epicenter, the shaking was also felt in Mexico City and El Salvador. Mexico City’s seismic alert system did not activate because the initial energy readings remained below the threshold. Officials continued assessments after the strongest shaking subsided.
Tsunami Warning Lifted Following Coastal Monitoring
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued warnings indicating 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 communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate were monitored while the alert was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea-level increase of roughly 0.3 meters. The tsunami threat was officially canceled at 17:02 UTC after reviewing observational data.
The main earthquake followed a smaller offshore tremor and triggered a series of strong aftershocks. Seismic data documented at least 10 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.9 to 6 during the early observation period. Guatemala’s disaster response agency activated national protocols and assessed damage in western departments. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Reports of minor landslides blocking roads in western Guatemala were also evaluated.
Limited Damage Confirmed in Regional Inspections
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that preliminary reports indicated no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also confirmed there was no serious impact. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara reported residents experienced moderate shaking without major damage. Local authorities initiated assessment routes and inspected hospitals, schools, bridges, and utilities. 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, 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, authorities had documented two injuries but no deaths. No widespread damage had been reported in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami warning had been lifted, while seismic agencies continued monitoring aftershocks and updating data related to the event.