CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off southern Mexico on Friday, causing tremors across communities 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, officials confirmed no deaths or significant structural damage, with two injuries reported in southern Mexico.
Tapachula civil protection director Demetrio Martínez reported two injuries related to the seismic activity. A woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from an apartment building after becoming distressed. She sustained fractures but was stabilized at a hospital, with officials stating her condition was not life-threatening. Another individual was treated for a minor injury from broken glass at a commercial establishment. Emergency crews carried out inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities throughout the border region.
Initially, the tremor was mild in Tapachula before intensifying, prompting evacuations of workers and residents from buildings. Similar evacuations occurred in Guatemala City during the morning commute. The seismic activity was felt as far as Mexico City, located 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 stayed below trigger levels. Authorities continued inspections after the strongest shaking subsided.
Tsunami Warning Removed Following Coastal Monitoring
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning that waves ranging from 0.3 to one meter could impact parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican naval officials advised residents to stay away from beaches for six hours. Coastal monitoring focused on communities near Puerto Madero and Suchiate while the alert was active. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea-level rise of about 0.3 meters. The tsunami threat was officially canceled at 17:02 UTC after reviewing available data.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and triggered numerous strong aftershocks. Seismic data indicated at least 10 aftershocks ranging between magnitude 4.9 and 6 during the early assessment period. Guatemala’s disaster management agency activated national response protocols and surveyed western departments for damage. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Authorities also reported minor landslides along roads in western Guatemala.
Limited Damage Found in Regional Assessments
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial reports indicated no significant damage. Navy Secretary Admiral Raymundo Morales also reported no serious consequences from the quake. In Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara noted residents experienced moderate shaking but no major damage was reported. Local authorities opened assessment routes and checked hospitals, schools, bridges, and utility infrastructure. Civil protection teams urged residents to report any cracks, falling debris, or blocked roads through official channels.
The earthquake occurred near the Mexico-Guatemala border, an area where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American and Caribbean plates. This tectonic environment often produces frequent earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries but no fatalities. No widespread destruction was reported by officials in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami threat had been lifted, though seismic agencies continued to monitor aftershocks and update event data.