Mexico Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert After Powerful 7.3 Magnitude Quake
Mexico earthquake authorities issued a tsunami alert after a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s Pacific coast on Friday. The strong tremor shook southern Mexico and sent tremors into Guatemala and El Salvador. Authorities ordered evacuations and monitored coastal areas for possible tsunami activity.
The earthquake forced thousands of people to leave buildings. However, officials reported no immediate deaths or serious injuries, offering some relief after the powerful quake.
Strong Tremors Shake Southern States
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck about 48 kilometres off the coast of Aquiles Serdán at a depth of 18 kilometres.
The shallow depth caused strong shaking across Chiapas and Oaxaca. Residents rushed out of homes, offices and apartment buildings as the ground moved.
Mexico’s National Seismological Service later recorded more than 30 aftershocks. The strongest measured 6.8 magnitude.
Mexico Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert
Soon after the quake, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami threat alert for parts of the Pacific coastline.
Authorities urged people living near beaches to move to higher ground until experts completed their assessment.
Emergency teams stayed on standby while officials closely monitored sea conditions for unusual wave activity.
Residents Rush to Safety
The powerful quake caused panic in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas. Buildings swayed violently, prompting many people to rush down emergency staircases. Others gathered in open spaces as a precaution.
Government employee Araceli Sanchez was inside a 15-storey building when the earthquake struck.
“It feels horrible up there,” she told AFP.
“There were people who cried.”
Government Assesses Damage
President Claudia Sheinbaum contacted governors in the affected states to coordinate emergency operations.
Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales said early inspections found no major damage. However, authorities continued inspecting buildings, roads and public infrastructure while aftershocks persisted.
Emergency crews remain on alert as assessments continue.
Aftershocks Continue Across Southern Mexico
The powerful Mexico earthquake was also felt across parts of Guatemala and El Salvador.
Officials evacuated several buildings in Guatemala City. Schools near the Mexican border suspended classes as a safety precaution.
Although the epicentre was more than 800 kilometres from Mexico City, some residents there reported light tremors and evacuated several high-rise buildings.
Mexico and Central America lie along several active tectonic plates, making earthquakes common. The country has experienced devastating earthquakes before, including the deadly disasters of 1985 and 2017.
Although Friday’s Mexico earthquake caused widespread alarm, officials welcomed the absence of major casualties. Authorities continue assessing damage while monitoring aftershocks and coastal conditions.
