A powerful earthquake measuring between 7.3 and 7.4 magnitude struck off the Pacific coast of southern Mexico on Friday, sending strong tremors across parts of Mexico and Central America and triggering a tsunami warning for nearby coastlines.
While authorities reported no immediate deaths or major damage, residents in several cities evacuated buildings as the shallow quake caused prolonged shaking.
Where did the earthquake strike?
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck off the coast of Chiapas, near Puerto Madero and Aquiles Serdan, at a depth of about 10-18 kilometres.
Shallow earthquakes typically produce stronger ground shaking near the epicentre than deeper quakes.
Which areas were impacted?
Mexico
The strongest shaking was reported in southern Mexico, particularly in:
Puerto Madero (near the epicentre)
Tuxtla Gutiérrez (state capital), where residents fled buildings amid scenes of panic.
Suchiate, where authorities began monitoring the coastline for possible tsunami waves.
The quake was felt with moderate intensity in Oaxaca City.
Governor Salomón Jara said no serious damage had been reported immediately after the tremor.
Buildings swayed in parts of the capital.
Authorities said the city's earthquake alert system was not activated because the initial seismic energy did not exceed warning thresholds.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said there were no immediate reports of damage in Chiapas or neighbouring Tabasco.
The earthquake was widely felt across Guatemala.
In Guatemala City, buildings shook for several seconds.
Residents evacuated homes and offices.
Government buildings were evacuated as emergency protocols were activated.
The tremor was also felt across El Salvador, although authorities did not immediately report any casualties or significant damage.
Tsunami warning issued, downgraded
Following the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that tsunami waves of up to one meter above normal tide levels were possible along parts of the Mexican and Guatemalan coasts within 300 kilometers of the epicenter.
However, Guatemala's seismology institute later downgraded the tsunami threat, saying conditions remained under control, as per CNN.
Were there any casualties?
As of Friday:
No deaths have been reported.
No major structural damage has been confirmed.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said authorities had not received reports of damage in Chiapas or Tabasco.
Emergency agencies continue to inspect affected areas as aftershocks remain possible.
The earthquake is among the strongest to strike southern Mexico this year, but early indications suggest the region has avoided widespread destruction despite the powerful shaking and ongoing tsunami precautions.
