Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake Strikes Southern Mexico, Tsunami Alert Issued

A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake, followed by a 5.3 aftershock, struck southern Mexico near its border with Guatemala on Friday. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the seismic event, which originated offshore in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of approximately 15 kilometers. The earthquake occurred about 50 kilometers from Tapachula, a city in the Mexican state of Chiapas, at 9:48 AM local time (14:48 GMT). While no major damages or casualties have been reported by authorities, the tremor triggered tsunami alerts. The governor of Oaxaca state confirmed that the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the state capital, and no serious damage was immediately reported. The seismic activity was felt strongly in Guatemala, prompting residents to evacuate buildings, including a government building in Guatemala City. The tremors were also felt in El Salvador. Several aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4.5 to 6.1, have already hit the region, indicating ongoing seismic instability.