A powerful earthquake in southern Mexico shook nearby countries Guatemala and El Salvador on Friday. The US Geological Survey (USGS) measured the seismic event’s preliminary magnitude at 7.3. Its epicentre was located 48 kilometers southwest of Aquiles Serdán, a town situated in the Mexican coastal state of Chiapas, according to the USGS.
The quake appears to have caused moderate to severe shaking along the coast. Following the tremors, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a caution, indicating that hazardous tsunami waves could be possible within 300 km of the epicentre. The center also stated that tsunami waves up to one meter above the tide level are possible for the coasts of both Guatemala and Mexico.
However, Guatemala’s seismology institute later provided an update, saying the threat from tsunamis was low.
Initial Assessments from Mexican Officials
Mexico’s Secretary of the Navy, Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, stated that there were “no issues” in the country following the quake. He further confirmed that there was “no serious damage” reported nationwide.
Regarding maritime conditions, Morales Ángeles advised the public to stay away from beaches for the time being. This counsel comes as water levels at some beaches are expected to rise by up to half a meter due to the earthquake. The Secretary delivered this information at the conclusion of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily morning press conference.
Injuries and Structural Damage Reported in Chiapas
The Chiapas Civil Protection has reported at least two injuries directly related to the earthquake. One person was hurt after jumping from the third floor of a building. Separately, another individual was injured when a door fell at a car dealership.
Authorities in Chiapas have also responded to a range of other incidents. These include gas leaks and reports of collapsed walls, detached ceiling panels, cracks, and other minor structural damage across the state.
Regional Impact Across Central America
In the Mexican state of Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara Cruz reported that the quake was felt “with moderate intensity” in the state’s capital city. Governor Cruz added that “no significant damage” has been reported in Oaxaca.
Further south, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo confirmed that no fatalities have been reported yet. He also stated that emergency response plans are currently being deployed throughout Guatemala.
El Salvador’s fire department also provided an update, reporting that no damages have been seen in their country so far.
This is a developing story and will be updated.