A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near the coast of Mexico's southernmost state of Chiapas on Friday (Jul 17), triggering a tsunami warning and shaking buildings in neighboring Guatemala and El Salvador. The quake occurred at a depth of 15.2 km (9.44 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which initially reported it as a 7.4-magnitude quake at a shallower depth of 10 km.
No immediate damage or casualties were reported by authorities, though aftershocks—some measuring between magnitude 5 and 6—were felt in the region. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System warned of hazardous waves within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicenter, with potential wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter above tide level along coasts in Mexico and Guatemala. Mexico's Navy Secretary, Raymundo Morales, stated that water levels were not expected to rise more than half a meter, advising people to stay away from beaches for safety.
The earthquake was felt across Chiapas, Guatemala City, and El Salvador, prompting evacuations and activating emergency protocols. In Guatemala City, residents rushed into the streets as buildings shook, while in Oaxaca, Mexico, Governor Salomón Jara reported moderate shaking but no serious damage. The region has experienced 22 earthquakes in the past 30 days, making this the strongest in that period.
The quake struck near Puerto Madero, a coastal town in Chiapas, and was part of a broader sequence of seismic activity, including weaker tremors before and after the main event. Experts noted that shallow earthquakes often amplify shaking intensity and are felt over wider areas. The National Tsunami Warning Center clarified that no tsunami threat existed for the U.S. West Coast, British Columbia, or Alaska.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, assessing infrastructure and coastal areas for potential impacts.