CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off southern Mexico on Friday, causing tremors across communities in Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the epicenter was 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. Authorities confirmed no fatalities or significant structural damage by Saturday, though two individuals were injured in southern Mexico.
Tapachula civil protection chief Demetrio Martínez indicated that two injuries were related to the quake. A woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed. She sustained fractures but was taken to a hospital, and officials stated her condition was not life-threatening. Another person was treated for a minor injury caused by broken glass at a business. Emergency responders carried out inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities throughout the border region.
The tremor initially started mildly in Tapachula before intensifying, prompting workers and residents to evacuate buildings. Similarly, office workers in Guatemala City evacuated during the morning commute. The shaking was felt in Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and residents in El Salvador also experienced it. Mexico City’s seismic alert did not activate because the initial energy readings remained below the threshold. Authorities continued inspections after the strongest shaking subsided.
Tsunami risk eliminated following coastal assessments
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning 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 officials monitored areas near Puerto Madero and Suchiate while the alert was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea-level rise of approximately 0.3 meters. The tsunami threat was officially concluded at 17:02 UTC after reviewing the 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 with magnitudes ranging from 4.9 to 6 in the initial monitoring period. 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. Authorities also assessed reports of minor landslides blocking roads in western Guatemala.
Limited damage found in regional inspections
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that preliminary assessments indicated no major damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also reported no serious impact from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara mentioned residents experienced moderate shaking but no significant damage. Local authorities opened assessment routes and checked hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility networks. 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 activity frequently causes earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries but no deaths. No widespread damage had been reported in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami threat was lifted, while seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update event information.