7.4 earthquake in Mexico: Here’s where it happened and where tsunami warnings were issued | Today’s news
A strong 7.3 to 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast of southern Mexico on Friday, sending strong tremors through parts of Mexico and Central America and prompting tsunami warnings for nearby coasts.
While authorities reported no immediate deaths or major damage, residents of several towns evacuated buildings as the shallow earthquake caused lingering tremors.
Where did the earthquake strike?
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake hit the coast of Chiapas, near Puerto Madero and Aquiles Serdan, at a shallow depth of about 10-18 kilometers.
Shallow earthquakes usually cause stronger ground shaking near the epicenter than deeper earthquakes.
Which areas were affected?
Mexico
The strongest tremors were reported in southern Mexico, especially in:
Puerto Madero (near the epicenter)
Tuxtla Gutiérrez (state capital) where residents fled buildings amid scenes of panic.
Suchiate, where authorities have begun monitoring the coast for possible tsunami waves.
In Oaxaca City, the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity.
Governor Salomón Jara said no serious damage was reported in the immediate aftermath of the tremors.
Buildings swayed in parts of the capital.
Authorities said the city’s earthquake warning 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 neighboring Tabasco.
The earthquake was widely felt throughout Guatemala.
In Guatemala City, buildings shook for several seconds.
Residents evacuated homes and offices.
Government buildings were evacuated as emergency protocols were activated.
Tremors were also felt in El Salvador, although authorities did not immediately report any casualties or significant damage.
Where was the tsunami warning issued?
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami warning.
Areas at risk of tsunami
Authorities warned that dangerous tsunami waves were possible along the coast up to a distance of about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the epicenter of the earthquake.
The warning mainly concerns:
South Pacific coast of Chiapas
The nearby Pacific coast bordering Guatemala
As a precaution, local officials urged residents to stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas until the threat is assessed.
Officials in Suchiata, on Mexico’s border with Guatemala, said coastal areas were being closely monitored for any abnormal activity at sea level.
Were there any casualties?
From Friday:
No deaths were reported.
No major structural damage was 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 are possible.
The earthquake is among the strongest to hit southern Mexico this year, but early indications suggest the region avoided widespread destruction despite strong tremors and ongoing tsunami precautions.
Read also | Earthquake Today: 7.4 Earthquake Shakes Mexico Coast, Tsunami Warning
