Un puissant tremblement de terre frappe la côte mexicaine près du Guatemala, déclenchant une menace de tsunami

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico’s southernmost state of Chiapas on Friday, July 17, 2026, triggering a tsunami warning and causing widespread concern in neighboring countries. The tremor was felt in both Guatemala and El Salvador, prompting evacuations and heightened vigilance among coastal communities. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of 15.2 kilometers (9.44 miles), following an initial assessment that had placed the magnitude at 7.4 and the depth at 10 kilometers. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for coastal regions within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter, stating that hazardous tsunami waves could reach heights between 0.3 meters and 1 meter above tide levels in parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Despite these warnings, officials have not reported any immediate damage or casualties. Mexico’s secretary of the Navy, Raymundo Morales, stated during a government press conference that water levels were not expected to exceed half a meter, though he urged residents to avoid beaches until further notice. “There is no problem, no serious maritime impact,” Morales said. “We only expect some beaches to see a rise in water level of up to half a meter due to the tsunami effect from the earthquake.” Residents in Guatemala City described scenes of panic as the earthquake rattled buildings and sent people fleeing into the streets. A Reuters witness observed locals evacuating a government building as security measures were enacted. Alexander Valdez, a 29-year-old accountant living on the eighth floor of a building, recounted how the shaking triggered memories of the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. “I got really scared and it reminded me of the recent earthquake in Venezuela. So I ran out and went down the stairs,” he said. Adolfo Zacarias, a 43-year-old customer service worker residing on the third floor of his building, took shelter under a structural column as the ground shook beneath him. He noted that the experience brought back traumatic recollections of the Venezuelan quakes. “I think the memories of what recently happened in Venezuela came back to us and that scared us a lot,” Zacarias added. Venezuela has been grappling with the aftermath of two devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, 2026. Magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors hit within minutes of each other in the north-central region, collapsing structures in Caracas and surrounding coastal areas. Rescue operations continue in affected zones, with thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged. The recent seismic activity in Central America appears to have reignited fears among populations already traumatized by previous disasters. A series of aftershocks followed the initial quake, with several measuring between 5 and 6 on the Richter scale. These tremors were felt across Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, adding to the sense of unease among residents. Authorities in all three countries remain on high alert, monitoring seismic activity and preparing for potential additional hazards. Emergency services have been deployed to key locations, ensuring readiness should further developments arise. The earthquake underscores the vulnerability of Central American nations to seismic risks, particularly given their proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. While this particular event did not result in confirmed fatalities or major destruction, the psychological toll on communities remains significant. Officials are emphasizing preparedness and caution, urging citizens to heed advisories and maintain emergency supplies. As the situation evolves, authorities will continue to provide updates on the status of the tsunami threat and any subsequent developments related to the earthquake.