A 7.3 magnitude earthquake, followed by a 5.3 aftershock, struck southern Mexico on its border with Guatemala on Friday, the US Geological Survey USGS reported, prompting a tsunami warning.
The quake, which occurred offshore in the Pacific and at a depth of 15 km, was recorded at 9:48 a.m. local time about fifty kilometers from the town of Tapachula, in the state of Chiapas.
Shortly after, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami warning.
The tremor was felt in the neighboring state of Oaxaca, as well as in Guatemala and El Salvador, AFP journalists noted.
According to initial reports on site, no casualties have been reported.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated on X that according to local governments “no major damage has yet been reported”, but that “the protocols” have been activated.
“Authorities from different levels of government are carrying out observations on the ground to assess possible structural damage and coordinate preventive measures,” she added.
In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, capital of the state of Chiapas, some scenes of panic were observed in the city’s few high-rise buildings, noted an AFP journalist on site.
“There is no serious damage,” Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales said.
Strong waves are expected on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast and people have been urged to move away from shores.
In Chiapas, local civil protection authorities have warned of sea level variations of just over a meter.
