Powerful 7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Mexico, Brief Tsunami Alert Issued
A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Pacific coast of Mexico near the state of Chiapas, close to the border with Guatemala, sending strong tremors across southern Mexico and parts of Central America. The shallow offshore earthquake prompted emergency evacuations, briefly triggered a tsunami alert and renewed concerns over seismic activity in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 15 kilometers, with its epicenter located off the Chiapas coast near Puerto Madero. The shaking was felt across Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guatemala and El Salvador, while residents in several cities rushed out of homes, offices and public buildings as emergency protocols were activated.
Following the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory for portions of the Pacific coast of Mexico and Guatemala, warning that waves of up to one meter could reach some coastal areas. Authorities urged residents and tourists to stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal zones. The advisory was later lifted after monitoring indicated that the threat had diminished.
Despite the earthquake’s strength, initial reports indicated no widespread destruction or fatalities. Mexican and Guatemalan authorities launched inspections of buildings, roads, bridges and public infrastructure, while emergency services remained on standby. In southern Mexico, at least one person was reportedly injured after jumping from a building during the shaking, and minor landslides were reported in parts of Guatemala.
Several aftershocks, ranging between magnitude 5 and 6, were recorded in the hours following the main earthquake, prompting officials to warn residents to remain cautious. Seismologists noted that strong aftershocks are common following major offshore earthquakes and advised people to avoid damaged structures until safety inspections are completed.
Mexico lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Cocos Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, making the country one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Large earthquakes are frequent along the Pacific coast, and authorities maintain extensive earthquake monitoring and emergency response systems due to the persistent seismic risk.
Emergency agencies continue to assess the full impact of the earthquake, while residents in affected areas have been advised to prepare for additional aftershocks and follow official safety instructions. Although the immediate tsunami threat has passed and no major catastrophe has been reported, authorities remain on alert as inspections continue across southern Mexico and neighboring Guatemala.
