A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific coast near the Mexico-Guatemala border on Friday, prompting local tsunami warnings. While authorities have reported only minor injuries and no major structural damage, the event highlights ongoing seismic risks in the region.
A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake shook the southern Pacific coast of Mexico near its border with Guatemala on Friday, triggering immediate tsunami warnings for coastal residents. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers, with its epicenter located 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdan in the state of Chiapas.
Impact on Coastal Regions and Infrastructure
The shaking was widely felt across a large area, extending from Mexico City to parts of El Salvador. Mexican naval authorities responded by issuing tsunami warnings, advising residents in coastal areas to stay away from beaches for a six-hour period. The Chiapas Meteorological Service warned that potential waves could reach heights of up to one meter along the shorelines of both Mexico and Guatemala. Despite the intensity of the event, early reports from both countries suggest that damage has been limited. In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that preliminary assessments showed no significant structural failure. Similarly, Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction reported no immediate large-scale destruction, though some landslides were noted in the region.
Local Response and Safety Measures
Emergency services in cities like Tapachula, which is situated near the epicenter, initiated safety protocols immediately. Civil Protection officials confirmed two injuries: a woman who suffered fractures while attempting to evacuate a building and another individual injured by shattered glass. In Guatemala, local authorities took precautionary measures, including the suspension of school classes in departments closest to the tremor’s center. The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, with at least ten measuring above 4.9 magnitude, keeping local emergency teams in the region on high alert. While the automated earthquake alarm system in Mexico City did not activate because initial energy readings fell below the required threshold, the event remains a significant reminder of the high seismic activity characteristic of this geographic area.