Powerful Earthquake Impacts Southern Mexico and Beyond

A powerful earthquake hit the southern Mexican Pacific coast on Friday, affecting areas from Mexico City to El Salvador. The U.S. Geological Survey reported it measured 7.3 in magnitude. The epicenter was 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdan in Chiapas, at a depth of 15 kilometers. It followed a smaller quake located farther offshore.

In Tapachula, a key city on Mexico’s southern border, the quake started mildly before growing stronger. Alejandra Mendoza, an administrative employee at a public hospital, described evacuating to the courtyard as the tremors intensified.

In Guatemala City, the prolonged shaking prompted people to leave buildings during the morning rush hour. In Mexico City, the earthquake alert was not activated. The government explained the initial energy levels did not meet the alert thresholds.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported no immediate damage. The navy advised staying away from beaches for six hours due to tsunami risks. In Suchiate, a town bordering Guatemala, officials are monitoring coastal areas for potential tsunami impacts, according to Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo.

The region is familiar with significant seismic activity. A previous strong earthquake earlier this year affected southern and central Mexico, resulting in two deaths. In 2017, a 7.1 magnitude quake in Mexico City killed hundreds.