A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico and parts of Central America on Friday, July 17, triggering a tsunami alert along sections of the Pacific coast and causing widespread panic across the region. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred approximately 48 kilometres off the coast of Aquiles Serdan in Mexico at a depth of 18 kilometres.
Aftershocks and Tsunami Threat
Mexico's seismological service recorded more than 30 aftershocks following the main tremor, with the strongest measuring 6.8 magnitude. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami threat alert after the quake, prompting authorities to advise residents to move away from beaches as a precautionary measure.
Impact Across the Region
The earthquake was strongly felt in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as in neighbouring Guatemala and El Salvador. As of the time of reporting, no casualties had been reported. In Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of Chiapas State, frightened residents evacuated buildings as the quake struck. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed she had spoken with the governors of the affected states, while Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales assured the public that there were no major impacts. Sheinbaum stated, "There are no serious effects."
Evacuations in Guatemala and Mexico City
In Guatemala City, authorities evacuated several buildings and suspended classes in communities close to the Mexican border due to the intensity of the earthquake. Although Mexico City is more than 800 kilometres from the epicentre, some residents reported feeling the tremor, leading to precautionary evacuations of several high-rise buildings. Mexico and much of Central America lie along active tectonic plate boundaries, making the region one of the world's most earthquake-prone areas.
