TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) – A powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck the southern Mexican Pacific coast on Friday, near the border with Guatemala. The tremor was felt widely, from Mexico City to as far as El Salvador. Fortunately, authorities have not reported any severe damage or casualties in any of the affected areas as of the latest updates.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the epicenter of the earthquake was located 48 kilometers (approximately 30 miles) southwest of Aquiles Serdan, in the coastal region of Chiapas, and occurred at a depth of 15 kilometers (9 miles). The primary quake was preceded by a smaller earthquake with an epicenter situated further out in the ocean, which is common in this seismically active region.
Following the initial shock, there were at least five notable aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging between 5.1 and 6. The residents of Tapachula, which is the main city situated on Mexico’s southern border, experienced a gradual intensification of the tremors. Alejandra Mendoza, an administrative employee at a public hospital in the city, recounted her experience of the event, stating, “We were upstairs on the second floor when it started shaking; we thought it would pass, but then it got stronger, so we all went downstairs and evacuated in an orderly manner to the front courtyard.”
In Guatemala City, the earthquake led to panic among residents due to its prolonged duration. Many individuals poured into the streets during the morning rush hour as the workday commenced. The situation was similar in Mexico City, where some buildings experienced noticeable creaking and shaking. However, the government reported that the earthquake alert did not activate since “the energy radiated by the earthquake during the first few seconds did not exceed the activation thresholds.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that early reports indicated no significant damage from the earthquake. Nevertheless, to mitigate any potential risks, the navy recommended that residents stay away from beaches for a period of six hours due to the possibility of tsunami waves. The Meteorological Service of Chiapas also warned that tsunami waves could reach heights of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) along the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala.
Local authorities in Suchiate, a town along the river dividing Mexico and Guatemala, are actively monitoring the coastal areas for tsunami risks. Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo emphasized the importance of vigilance in the face of potential tsunamis due to the earthquake.
This region is no stranger to seismic activity, with many past earthquakes being fatal. Earlier this year, a significant earthquake rattled southern and central Mexico, resulting in the loss of two lives. The country also experienced a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake in 2017 that claimed hundreds of lives in Mexico City.
