CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off southern Mexico on Friday, causing tremors across regions in Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter as 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, with a depth of 15.2 kilometers. The quake occurred at 8:48 a.m. local time, or 14:48 UTC. By Saturday, authorities reported no fatalities or significant structural damage. Two individuals sustained injuries in southern Mexico.
Demetrio Martínez, head of civil protection in Tapachula, confirmed two injuries related to the tremor. A woman in her 30s leapt approximately four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed. She suffered fractures and was hospitalized, though officials stated her condition was not life-threatening. Another person was treated for a minor injury caused by broken glass at a local business. Emergency teams carried out inspections on buildings, roads, and public facilities throughout the border area.
The earthquake initially registered as mild in Tapachula before intensifying, prompting residents and workers to evacuate buildings. Similar evacuations took place in Guatemala City during the morning commute. The tremor was felt as far away as Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and also in El Salvador. Mexico City’s seismic alert system did not activate because the initial energy readings remained below the threshold. Officials continued assessments after the strongest shaking subsided.
Tsunami warning rescinded after coastal monitoring
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued alerts indicating that waves between 0.3 and one meter could strike parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican naval authorities advised the public to stay away from beaches for six hours. Coastal communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate were under close observation while the warning remained in effect. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded sea-level increases of approximately 0.3 meters. The tsunami threat was officially lifted at 17:02 UTC after reviewing available data.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and was followed by a series of strong aftershocks. Seismic data revealed at least 10 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.9 to 6 during the initial monitoring period. Guatemala’s disaster response agency activated national protocols and checked western departments for damage. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Authorities also examined reports of minor landslides along roads in western Guatemala.
Limited damage confirmed after regional assessments
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that early reports indicated no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also confirmed there was no serious impact from the earthquake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara noted residents experienced moderate shaking but no major damages. Local officials initiated assessment routes and inspected hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility services. Civil protection teams urged residents to report any cracks, falling debris, or blocked roads through official emergency channels.
The quake occurred near the Mexico-Guatemala border, where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American and Caribbean plates. This tectonic interaction frequently triggers earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries but no fatalities. No widespread damage was reported by officials in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami warning had been lifted, while seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update event data.