Magnitude 7.3 earthquake quake strikes off Mexico coast

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Mexico on Friday, triggering a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific. The seismic event occurred near the fishing town of Puerto Madero in Mexico at 08:49 local time (14:49 GMT), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake had a depth of 15.2 kilometers (9 miles) and was felt across multiple countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Although no fatalities or significant damage have been officially reported in Mexico or Guatemala, the tremor caused evacuations and triggered concern among residents in several regions. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami warning issued by the Mexican Tsunami Warning Center, which initially alerted coastal communities in Baja California Sur, Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacan. However, the warning was later canceled after monitoring showed no significant changes in sea levels. According to the center, no anomalous sea level variations had been recorded, and the threat posed by potential tsunami waves had passed. Despite this, officials continued to urge caution, advising people to avoid beaches and remain vigilant due to the possibility of strong currents in coastal areas. Residents in affected regions were warned of the dangers associated with tsunamis, including the risk of drowning and being hit by debris. The US Tsunami Warning System emphasized the importance of staying alert and following instructions from national and local authorities. In Puerto Madero and Chiapas, small waves measuring 0.3 meters (1.1 feet) above tide level were recorded, but these did not cause significant disruption. The Mexican navy’s head, Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, stated that while a slight rise in water levels could be expected on some beaches, there was no immediate danger. The quake was also felt in El Salvador, where buildings shook and prompted evacuations. In Guatemala, the president, Bernardo Arévalo, confirmed that the country’s emergency management agency had responded to a related magnitude 5.6 earthquake centered in Quetzaltenango. No fatalities were reported, though the situation remained under close observation. A series of aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4.7 to 6, were recorded in the days following the initial quake, adding to concerns about ongoing seismic activity in the region. In Mexico, the National Guard worked to clear debris and assist affected communities. Footage captured the moment part of a cliff collapsed during the earthquake, highlighting the potential for secondary hazards such as landslides. Another incident involved a woman who suffered serious injuries after jumping from an apartment building in Tapachula, reportedly due to the intense tremors. She was taken to the Tapachula General Hospital for treatment, underscoring the need for continued vigilance even as the immediate threat subsided. Governors of affected states, including Salomón Jara Cruz of Oaxaca and Eduardo Ramírez of Chiapas, reported that the quake was felt with moderate intensity but did not result in major structural damage. Both officials ordered administrative activities to be suspended temporarily and urged businesses to take similar measures. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted minimal wave heights along the coasts of several Central American nations, including El Salvador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Honduras. These waves, lasting up to 28 minutes in Chiapas, were deemed non-threatening but required continued monitoring. As the situation stabilizes, authorities remain focused on ensuring public safety and providing necessary support to affected communities. While the immediate danger has passed, the experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic events and the importance of preparedness in vulnerable regions.