A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast Friday morning, shaking communities across Chiapas and neighboring Guatemala while prompting an initial tsunami threat for nearby coastal areas.
The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter about 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico, near the country’s border with Guatemala. The earthquake struck at 10:48 a.m. ET and was measured at a depth of approximately 9.4 miles. It was initially reported as a magnitude 7.4 before being revised downward.
Tsunami threat issued near epicenter
Officials warned that potential tsunami waves could affect coastal areas within roughly 186 miles of the epicenter, including portions of southern Mexico and Guatemala.
The alert did not extend to the United States. The National Weather Service said no tsunami was expected along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, or western Canada.
Authorities continued monitoring sea levels and urged residents near vulnerable coastal areas to follow local emergency instructions.
Strong shaking felt across the region
The earthquake was felt throughout Chiapas and across much of Guatemala, including Guatemala City. Residents evacuated homes, businesses and government buildings as structures shook.
Videos posted online appeared to show dust rising from a possible landslide in Guatemala’s San Marcos Department, near the epicenter. Other footage showed buildings rattling as people gathered in streets and open areas.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo urged residents to remain calm and follow established safety procedures.
No immediate reports of casualties
Damage assessments are underway in southern Mexico and western Guatemala, where officials are inspecting roads, bridges, public buildings, and coastal infrastructure.
The quake’s relatively shallow depth increased the potential for strong surface shaking. Aftershocks are also possible following an earthquake of this size, and residents were advised to remain alert.
Region has history of powerful earthquakes
Mexico’s southern Pacific coast lies along a highly active seismic zone where tectonic plates converge beneath Central America.
In 2017, an 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Chiapas, killing dozens of people and generating tsunami waves along the Mexican coastline. Friday’s earthquake occurred in the same broader region, though officials had not immediately determined whether the two events involved the same fault system.
Information about Friday’s earthquake remains preliminary and could change as additional seismic and damage data became available.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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