A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico’s southern Chiapas state on Friday, triggering a tsunami warning and sending tremors across Guatemala and El Salvador.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of 15.2 kilometres, after an earlier estimate placed it at magnitude 7.4.
The US Tsunami Warning System warned that hazardous tsunami waves of up to one metre above tide level could affect parts of the Mexican and Guatemalan coastlines within 300 kilometres of the epicentre.
Mexico’s Navy assured residents that no major maritime impact was expected, although people were advised to stay away from beaches as a precaution.
The earthquake also triggered several aftershocks ranging between magnitudes 5.0 and 6.0, with strong tremors felt across Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.
In Guatemala City, buildings swayed as residents fled into the streets, while authorities activated emergency evacuation protocols. No immediate casualties or significant damage were reported.
