CHIAPAS, MEXICO / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 7.3 earthquake impacted southern Mexico on Friday, causing tremors across communities in Chiapas, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey determined the epicenter was 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. Only two individuals sustained injuries in southern Mexico.
Tapachula civil protection chief Demetrio Martínez confirmed two injuries related to the tremor. A woman in her 30s jumped approximately four meters from an apartment building after feeling distressed. She suffered fractures and was hospitalized, though officials stated her condition was not life-threatening. Another person was treated for a minor injury from broken glass at a local business. Emergency teams conducted inspections of buildings, roads, and public facilities throughout the border region.
The earthquake initially felt mild in Tapachula before intensifying, prompting residents and workers to evacuate buildings. Office evacuations also occurred in Guatemala City during the morning commute. The tremor was felt in Mexico City, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter, and residents in El Salvador also experienced the shaking. Mexico City’s seismic alert system did not activate because the initial energy readings remained below the threshold. After the strongest tremor subsided, officials continued with building inspections.
Tsunami alert canceled after coastal assessments
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning that waves between 0.3 and one meter could reach parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Mexican naval authorities advised the public to stay away from beaches for six hours. Coastal officials monitored areas near Puerto Madero and Suchiate while the alert was in effect. Instruments at Puerto Madero recorded a sea level rise of approximately 0.3 meters. The tsunami warning was lifted at 17:02 UTC after reviewing available data.
The main quake was preceded by a smaller offshore tremor and triggered a series of strong aftershocks. Seismic data indicated at least 10 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.9 to 6 during early monitoring. Guatemala’s disaster agency activated national response procedures and inspected western departments for damage. The education ministry suspended in-person classes in San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu. Reports of minor landslides along roads in western Guatemala were also examined by authorities.
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 impact 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 networks. Civil protection teams urged residents to report any cracks, falling debris, or blocked roads through official emergency 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 setting results in frequent earthquakes along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast. By Saturday, authorities confirmed two injuries but no deaths. No widespread damage was reported in Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador. The tsunami threat had been lifted, though seismic agencies continued to record aftershocks and update event information.