Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits Mexico's Chiapas coast; no major damage reported

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake jolted the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, on Friday, triggering 137 aftershocks in the subsequent eight hours. The seismic activity was felt across southern Mexico and into Central American nations.

Despite the quake's intensity, initial reports indicated no fatalities or widespread damage. However, state civil protection authorities reported one woman sustained serious injuries when she jumped from a second-story building during the tremor. She was transported to a hospital in Tapachula.

Authorities had issued a precautionary tsunami alert for the Pacific coastline following the earthquake. The Mexican Navy later suspended the alert after analyzing sea level observations, confirming no significant wave variations were expected. Nevertheless, the public and port authorities were advised to maintain strict precautions against strong sea currents that could impact maritime activities.

In response to the earthquake, the Governor of Chiapas ordered the suspension of state public services to allow for thorough inspections of buildings and infrastructure. Social media showed videos of workers on high-rise construction sites and telecommunications towers enduring the intense shaking. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed via social media that discussions with the governors of Chiapas and Tabasco revealed no immediate reports of material damage or human casualties.