Earthquake today: 7.4-magnitude quake jolts Mexican Coast; tsunami alert issued, later lifted

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico on Friday, shaking parts of Central America and briefly triggering a tsunami warning along sections of the Pacific coast. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of deaths or serious damage, although the quake caused panic in several cities and prompted evacuations.

The earthquake was felt across the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as in Guatemala and El Salvador, according to AFP journalists on the ground.

Epicenter off Chiapas coast

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake's epicenter was located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) offshore from Aquiles Serdán in the state of Chiapas.

The quake struck at a depth of 18 kilometers (11 miles), making it relatively shallow and increasing the intensity of shaking near the epicenter.

Mexico's national seismological service later recorded more than 30 aftershocks, with the strongest reaching magnitude 6.8.

Tsunami warning Issued, later lifted

Following the earthquake, US authorities issued a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Guatemala.

The warning was later canceled after officials determined that the tsunami threat had passed.

Emergency agencies nevertheless urged residents in coastal areas to remain cautious until authorities declared conditions safe.

Panic and evacuations in Chiapas

The earthquake triggered panic in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas, where residents evacuated buildings as strong tremors shook the city.

"It feels horrible up there," government employee Araceli Sanchez, who was inside a 15-story building during the earthquake, told AFP.

"There were people who cried," she said after evacuating via emergency stairways.

Authorities continued inspections of buildings to assess any structural damage.

No damage reported

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had spoken with governors of the affected states following the earthquake.

Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales said preliminary assessments showed limited impact.

"There are no serious effects," Morales told reporters.

Emergency teams remained on alert as aftershocks continued across the region.

Guatemala activates emergency measures

In neighboring Guatemala, the earthquake prompted evacuations from several buildings in the capital.

Authorities also suspended classes in areas closest to the Mexican border as a precaution while emergency officials assessed infrastructure.

No fatalities or widespread damage were immediately reported.

Tremors reach Mexico City

Although Mexico City lies more than 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the epicenter, residents in several neighborhoods reported feeling the shaking.

Some high-rise buildings were evacuated as a precaution, recalling memories of the devastating earthquakes that struck the capital in 1985 and 2017, both of which caused significant loss of life and destruction.

A highly active seismic region

Mexico and Central America sit along several active tectonic plate boundaries, making the region one of the world's most earthquake-prone areas.

While Friday's powerful quake caused widespread alarm and dozens of aftershocks, authorities said the situation remained under control, with no immediate reports of major structural damage or casualties. Emergency services continue monitoring affected areas as inspections and seismic activity persist.