A 7.3 earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border with no immediate damage reported

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala on Friday, triggering concerns over potential tsunamis and causing widespread shaking across multiple regions. The seismic event occurred approximately 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, near the Pacific coastline of Chiapas state in Mexico, at a depth of 15 kilometers. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was followed by at least five aftershocks ranging from 5.1 to 6.0 in magnitude. The initial tremor was preceded by a smaller earthquake with its epicenter further offshore. Residents in Tapachula, the primary city on Mexico's southern border, described the quake as starting gently before intensifying. Alejandra Mendoza, an administrative worker at a local hospital, recounted how she and others initially believed the shaking would subside but eventually evacuated to the front courtyard of their building. In Guatemala City, the prolonged duration of the earthquake caused alarm among residents, prompting many to flee into the streets during the morning commute. Several buildings were evacuated, though authorities reported no immediate damage. Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) confirmed no significant harm had been observed following the quake. However, social media platforms featured footage of landslides affecting roads leading westward. In response, the Guatemalan Ministry of Education announced the suspension of in-person classes in four departments close to the epicenter: San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. In Mexico City, while the earthquake was felt in certain areas, the government stated that the early energy released by the quake did not meet the threshold required to trigger an official alert system. President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that preliminary assessments indicated no major damage. Nevertheless, the Mexican Navy issued advisories urging residents to avoid coastal areas for six hours due to the possibility of tsunami waves. The Meteorological Service of Chiapas warned that tsunami waves up to one meter high could reach the coasts of both Mexico and Guatemala. In Suchiate, a town situated along the river that divides Mexico and Guatemala, officials are monitoring coastal zones for signs of incoming waves. Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo emphasized the importance of vigilance in light of these warnings. The region has historically been susceptible to earthquakes, including incidents that have resulted in fatalities. Earlier this year, another significant quake affected parts of southern and central Mexico, claiming two lives. Additionally, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in 2017 devastated sections of Mexico City, resulting in hundreds of deaths. These past events underscore the ongoing vulnerability of the area to seismic activity. Authorities continue to assess the situation, with emergency services maintaining heightened readiness in both nations. Residents are advised to remain cautious and follow updates from local disaster management agencies. Monitoring efforts are underway to ensure timely responses should any additional threats arise from the current seismic activity.