Earthquake Strikes Southern Mexican Pacific Coast Near Guatemala

A significant earthquake hit the southern Mexican Pacific coast on Friday, close to the Guatemala border. The tremors were experienced from Mexico City to El Salvador. No immediate reports of severe damage or casualties have been made in any affected region.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.3. The epicenter was located 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Aquiles Serdan, near Chiapas’ coast, with a depth of 15 kilometers (9 miles). The event followed a smaller quake, which occurred farther in the ocean.

In Tapachula, the main city near Mexico’s southern border, the earthquake started mildly and grew stronger. Alejandra Mendoza, working at a public hospital, recounted their experience: “We were on the second floor when it began shaking; initially, we thought it would pass, but it intensified, prompting an orderly evacuation to the courtyard.”

In Guatemala City, the quake alarmed residents due to its duration. Many took to the streets during morning rush hour. In Mexico City, some buildings shook, but the earthquake alert system did not activate. Officials explained that the energy initially released did not meet the threshold for the alert.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported no initial damage. The navy advised staying clear of beaches for six hours due to potential tsunami risks. In Suchiate, bordering the river between Mexico and Guatemala, authorities, including Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo, monitored coastal areas for tsunami threats.

The region frequently experiences earthquakes. Earlier this year, a powerful quake affected southern and central Mexico, resulting in two deaths. In 2017, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake led to significant casualties in Mexico City.