Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Shakes Mexico and Central America; No Casualties Reported

A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake jolted southern Mexico and parts of Central America on Friday, prompting a tsunami alert and causing scenes of panic in some areas. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake, which was felt intensely in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as in Guatemala and El Salvador.

Journalists on the ground confirmed the tremor's significant impact across the region. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) activated a tsunami alert, and the Mexican Navy advised people to stay away from beaches as a precautionary measure. The USGS located the epicenter 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the town of Aquiles Serdán. The Mexican seismological service registered at least two aftershocks measuring 6.8 and 5.1.

In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas, the earthquake caused some panic in the few tall buildings. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported on X that she had spoken with the governors of Chiapas and Tabasco, who confirmed no immediate damage. Protocols were activated in adjacent states, and authorities from all government levels began assessing potential structural damage and coordinating preventive measures. The quake was also felt strongly in Guatemala's southeastern border region with Mexico and, with less intensity, in the Guatemalan capital and El Salvador.