7.3 magnitude earthquake strikes Mexico and Guatemala coasts, tsunami alert issued

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck the coast of the Mexican state of Chiapas on Friday, near the border with Guatemala, triggering a tsunami alert for several areas along the Pacific. The tremor was felt strongly from southern Mexico to El Salvador, leading to evacuations of buildings in multiple regions. As of now, authorities have reported no casualties or major damage. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) identified the epicenter of the earthquake as being approximately 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, off the coast of Chiapas, at a depth of 15 kilometers. The main quake was preceded by a smaller tremor with an epicenter farther offshore. The shallow nature of the quake contributed to its widespread impact, with reports indicating that the shaking was strongest in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as in Guatemala and El Salvador. In Tapachula, the largest city near the Guatemalan border, the initial mild shaking intensified, prompting people to evacuate buildings. Alejandra Mendoza, an administrative worker at a public hospital in the city, described how the tremor began subtly before growing stronger. “We were on the second floor when the shaking started. We thought it would stop quickly, but it kept getting stronger, so we went downstairs and evacuated to the courtyard,” she told the Associated Press. In Guatemala City, the duration of the quake caused alarm among residents, with hundreds rushing into the streets during the evening rush hour. In Mexico City, some buildings were observed swaying, though the city’s seismic alert system remained inactive. According to the government, this was because the energy released by the earthquake during the first few seconds did not exceed the activation thresholds. Authorities swiftly activated emergency response protocols and began inspecting buildings and infrastructure for potential damage. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory, warning that waves between 30 centimeters and one meter could reach the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala. Residents have been advised to remain away from the shoreline due to the risk of strong currents and coastal flooding. In the Mexican town of Suchiate, on the river forming the border with Guatemala, local officials are monitoring sea conditions amid the tsunami threat. Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo confirmed that authorities are taking precautions to ensure public safety. On social media, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that she had spoken with the governors of Chiapas and Tabasco, confirming that no damage had been reported in either state. She emphasized that emergency protocols had also been activated in neighboring states and urged the public to follow guidance from Civil Protection authorities and the Navy. The Navy has advised people to avoid beaches for the coming hours while ongoing assessments of possible structural damage are conducted. With the situation still under review, authorities continue to monitor developments and provide updates to the public.