Powerful earthquake in Mexico shakes Guatemala and El Salvador
Major Seismic Event Rocks Southeastern Mexico and Neighboring Nations
Powerful earthquake in Mexico shakes Guatemala – A powerful earthquake in Mexico shakes Guatemala and El Salvador on Friday, creating widespread concern across Central America. The United States Geological Survey recorded a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 for this significant seismic event that originated in southern Mexico. According to official USGS data, the epicenter was positioned 48 kilometers to the southwest of Aquiles Serdán, a town located within Chiapas, a coastal Mexican state. Initial assessments indicate that moderate to severe shaking occurred along the coastline during the earthquake, affecting communities in multiple regions.
Tsunami Warnings and Regional Response
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert suggesting that hazardous tsunami waves could develop within a 300-kilometer radius of the epicenter. Guatemala reported observing several tsunamis measuring less than one meter above normal tide levels, though officials characterized the overall threat as minimal. The warning center subsequently announced that the danger had subsided after monitoring conditions for several hours.
Mexico’s Secretary of the Navy, Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles, provided reassurance to the public during the aftermath of the powerful earthquake in Mexico. He stated that there were “no issues” reported in the country following the seismic activity. The official emphasized that no serious damage had been documented across affected areas. Regarding maritime conditions, Morales Ángeles noted that water levels at certain beaches were anticipated to increase by as much as half a meter as a result of the earthquake. He advised the public to remain away from coastal areas for the time being as a precautionary measure.
“There is no serious damage. Regarding maritime conditions, water levels at some beaches are expected to rise by up to half a meter due to the earthquake. The public is advised to stay away from beaches for the time being,” Morales Ángeles said at the end of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily morning press conference.
Damage Assessment and Casualties
At this stage, Mexico’s government has confirmed that no deaths have been reported from the powerful earthquake in Mexico. The state’s civil protection service in Chiapas documented at least four injuries requiring medical attention. Emergency authorities have been responding to multiple incidents, including gas leaks and reports of collapsed walls. Additional structural concerns involved detached ceiling panels, cracks in buildings, and other minor damage throughout the affected region. Recovery teams continue to assess the full extent of the impact.
In the neighboring state of Oaxaca, Governor Salomón Jara Cruz reported that residents felt the earthquake “with moderate intensity” in the capital city. He confirmed that “no significant damage” has been observed in Oaxaca so far. The seismic event was strong enough to be felt across multiple Mexican states, demonstrating the widespread reach of the tremors. Local officials in Oaxaca have begun preliminary inspections of critical infrastructure.
International Impact and Precautionary Measures
Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo announced that no fatalities had been recorded in his country following the powerful earthquake in Mexico. He stated that emergency response plans were being actively deployed to address any potential issues. Local authorities reported that at least one person required hospitalization, while several homes and buildings sustained damage. As a precautionary measure, Guatemala’s education ministry suspended classes in multiple western regions to ensure student safety during the ongoing situation.
El Salvador’s fire department reported that no damage has been observed in the country so far. The nation remained relatively unscathed compared to its neighbors, though officials continued monitoring the situation closely. Emergency services in El Salvador remained on standby in case conditions change.
Multiple aftershocks have been recorded in the region since the main earthquake. According to the USGS, one aftershock registered a preliminary magnitude of 6.0, indicating that the seismic activity may continue in the coming days. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow official guidance.
Mitchell McCluskey and Michael Rios contributed to this report.
