Mexico Earthquake: Powerful 7.3-Magnitude Quake Jolts Chiapas, Triggers Tsunami Alert

A powerful magnitude-7.3 earthquake struck off the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Friday morning, sending strong tremors through the region and into neighboring Central American nations. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the offshore quake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles), with its epicenter located about 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán in the state of Chiapas. The early morning tremor triggered emergency infrastructure reviews across southern Mexico. Preliminary assessments by seismological agencies initially registered the event between a 7.3 and 7.4 magnitude, noting that the shallow depth amplified ground shaking across a wide radius.

Following the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a localized tsunami advisory, warning of potential hazardous sea-level fluctuations for coastal areas within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter, primarily affecting parts of southern Mexico and Guatemala. However, officials confirmed there is no broader tsunami threat to other regions, including the Pacific coast of the United States and Canada. Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 1,450 As 430 Aftershocks Shake Disaster-Hit Region.

The seismic activity caused immediate evacuations in several major urban centers. In Guatemala City, eyewitnesses reported significant building movement, prompting residents and government employees to flee onto the streets under active safety protocols. Tremors were also felt as far south as El Salvador. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced via social media that emergency services are actively monitoring the situation. She noted that preliminary reports from the high-risk states of Chiapas and Tabasco indicated no immediate fatalities or severe structural damage.

Similarly, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo urged the public to remain calm while emergency crews conduct site inspections, confirming that no casualties had been reported in the hours directly following the main shock. How Countries Live with Earthquakes and Build Resilience.

Seismologists have since recorded multiple aftershocks in the Pacific zone, including a significant secondary tremor measuring magnitude 6.1. Authorities maintain that residents in coastal areas should remain vigilant and adhere to local emergency advisories as civil protection teams complete their evaluations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 10:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).