CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off southern Mexico on Friday, causing tremors in communities across Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey pinpointed 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. By Saturday, authorities reported no fatalities or extensive structural damage, but two individuals sustained injuries in southern Mexico.
Tapachula civil protection leader Demetrio Martínez confirmed two injuries related to the tremor. A woman in her 30s jumped roughly four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed. She sustained fractures and was transported to a hospital, though officials stated her condition was not life-threatening. Another person was treated for a minor injury caused by broken glass at a local business. Emergency responders carried out inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities across the border region.
The earthquake was initially mild in Tapachula before intensifying, prompting many workers and residents to evacuate buildings. Similarly, office workers in Guatemala City evacuated during the morning commute. The tremor was felt in Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and residents in El Salvador also reported feeling it. Mexico City’s seismic alert system did not activate because the initial energy levels remained below the threshold. Authorities continued inspections once the strongest shaking subsided.
Tsunami alert canceled following coastal assessments
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning indicating that waves ranging from 0.3 to one meter could impact parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican naval authorities advised the public to steer clear of beaches for six hours. Coastal monitoring teams observed 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 lifted at 17:02 UTC after reviewing all available data.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and triggered a series of aftershocks. Seismic data indicated at least 10 aftershocks between magnitude 4.9 and 6 during early monitoring. Guatemala’s disaster response agency activated national protocols and inspected western departments for damage. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Officials also checked reports of minor landslides along roads in western Guatemala.
Limited damage identified during regional assessments
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial reports indicated no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also confirmed that there was no serious impact from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara mentioned that residents experienced moderate shaking but no major damage was reported. Local authorities opened assessment routes and inspected hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility lines. 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 regularly 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 threat had been lifted, while seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update event information.