A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico and parts of Central America on Friday, triggering a tsunami alert along sections of the Pacific coast and prompting precautionary evacuations across the region.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred about 48 kilometres off the coast of Aquiles Serdán in Mexico at a depth of 18 kilometres.
Mexico’s National Seismological Service reported more than 30 aftershocks following the initial quake, with the strongest measuring 6.8 in magnitude.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami threat alert after the earthquake, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay away from beaches and coastal areas as a safety precaution.
The tremor was strongly felt in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as in neighbouring Guatemala and El Salvador, causing panic and forcing residents to flee buildings.
In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas State, frightened residents evacuated homes and offices as the earthquake struck.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had spoken with the governors of the affected states to assess the situation, while Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales assured the public that there were no reports of major damage or casualties.
“There are no serious effects,” Sheinbaum said.
In neighbouring Guatemala, authorities ordered the evacuation of several buildings and suspended classes in communities near the Mexican border due to the intensity of the quake.
Although Mexico City is located more than 800 kilometres from the epicentre, some residents reported feeling the tremor, leading to precautionary evacuations from several high-rise buildings.
As of the time of filing this report, no deaths or injuries had been officially reported.
Mexico and much of Central America lie along active tectonic plate boundaries, making the region one of the most seismically active areas in the world and frequently vulnerable to earthquakes.