Powerful Seismic Activity Hits Mexico-Guatemala Border
A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Friday, close to the border with Guatemala. The tremors were felt as far away as Mexico City and El Salvador. Fortunately, authorities have reported no severe damage or casualties in the affected countries, although two individuals were injured in southern Mexico.
Epicenter and Aftershocks
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) located the earthquake’s epicenter 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Aquiles Serdan, near the Chiapas coast, at a depth of 15 kilometers (9 miles). This major quake was preceded by a smaller seismic event, occurring slightly further into the ocean. Following the main tremor, at least 10 aftershocks, ranging from a magnitude of 4.9 to 6, were recorded by the USGS.
Impact in Tapachula
In the key city of Tapachula, located on Mexico’s southern frontier, the quake started with mild vibrations that escalated in intensity. Alejandra Mendoza, a hospital administrative worker, recounted the experience to The Associated Press: “As we were on the second floor, the shaking intensified, prompting us to evacuate calmly to the courtyard.” Demetrio Martínez, head of Tapachula’s Civil Protection agency, reported an incident involving a Haitian migrant woman who, in distress, leapt from a height of four meters (13 feet), sustaining fractures but no life-threatening injuries. Another minor injury was reported due to a broken window in a nearby business.
Guatemala’s Response and Precautions
In Guatemala City, the prolonged shaking caused panic among residents, leading to street evacuations during rush hour. While the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) noted no immediate damage, social media users shared footage of minor landslides, particularly on western roads. As a precaution, the Ministry of Education halted in-person classes in the departments closest to the epicenter: San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu.
Reactions in Mexico City and Coastal Warnings
In Mexico City, certain areas experienced building tremors, but the earthquake alert system remained silent. According to government officials, the quake’s initial energy did not reach the necessary levels to trigger the alert. President Claudia Sheinbaum assured the public that preliminary assessments showed no damage, while the navy advised avoiding beaches for six hours due to potential tsunami threats. The Meteorological Service of Chiapas warned of possible tsunami waves up to one meter (3.3 feet) along the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala.
Regional Seismic Activity
Suchiate’s local authorities, led by Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo, are closely monitoring coastal zones for any tsunami risks. Meanwhile, in San Salvador, the quake’s impact was notable, though no injuries or structural damages were reported. The Ministry of Environment also recorded another, less intense quake near the coast of Usulután in eastern El Salvador.
Historical Context
This region is no stranger to seismic activity, with earthquakes often resulting in significant damage. Earlier this year, a powerful earthquake affected southern and central Mexico, leading to two fatalities. In 2017, a 7.1 magnitude quake caused hundreds of deaths in Mexico City, underscoring the area’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.