Un tremblement de terre au Mexique, ressenti au Guatemala et au Salvador: un avertissement de tsunami est émis

A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 7.3 struck the southern coast of Mexico on Friday, July 17, 2026, near the border with Guatemala, prompting warnings of a potential tsunami and causing widespread tremors felt in neighboring countries including Guatemala and El Salvador. The initial reports indicated no casualties or major structural damage, though authorities advised residents to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of rising sea levels caused by the seismic activity. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially estimated the quake's magnitude at 7.4 before revising it down to 7.3. The epicenter was located approximately 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, a city in the coastal state of Chiapas. The tremor occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometers, which contributed to its strong surface impact. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts warning that potentially dangerous waves could reach shores within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. In some areas along the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala, water levels were projected to rise by between 0.3 meters and one meter above normal tide levels. Mexican Defense Secretary Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles stated during a morning press briefing that there had been no serious damage reported so far. He warned that while the anticipated rise in sea level could reach up to half a meter on certain beaches, the overall effect on maritime traffic would remain minimal. Morales urged citizens to temporarily avoid beach areas until further notice. "There is no expectation of a severe impact on maritime transport," he said, adding that the temporary advisory was precautionary given the potential for tsunami-related effects. In response to the quake, local officials in the Mexican state of Oaxaca noted that the tremor was felt with moderate intensity in the capital, but no significant damage was reported. Governor Solomón Jara Cruz of Oaxaca confirmed that the shaking was mild and did not result in substantial destruction. Meanwhile, in Guatemala, President Bernardo Arévalo announced that there were currently no reports of fatalities and that emergency protocols had been activated to ensure public safety. Similarly, the fire department in El Salvador reported no damage in the country. Social media platforms saw a surge in posts featuring videos of evacuation efforts and minor landslides, particularly in the region of Sololá, where a landslide blocked both lanes of a road. Authorities in Guatemala issued preventive evacuation orders following the initial tremor, which was later classified as magnitude 5.6. These measures were taken to protect workers and visitors in government buildings and other key locations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that there were no reports of damage in the states of Chiapas and Tabasco. She emphasized that the navy had recommended that people maintain a safe distance from beaches for the next six hours due to the tsunami threat. She also mentioned that officials at all three levels of government were conducting inspections to assess possible structural impacts and coordinate preventive actions. She posted updates on social media, highlighting ongoing communication with governors of affected regions. As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are monitoring the area closely for any signs of additional seismic activity. Multiple aftershocks have been recorded, some reaching magnitudes between 5 and 6. While the immediate danger appears to be contained, the possibility of further disruptions remains under review.