A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Mexico’s southern coast on Friday, prompting a tsunami warning. The strong tremor was also felt in neighbouring Guatemala and El Salvador.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred near Puerto Madero in Mexico’s Chiapas state. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres beneath the seabed.
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System warned that hazardous waves were possible. The warning covered coastal areas within 300 kilometres of the earthquake’s epicentre.
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Meanwhile, residents in Guatemala City evacuated buildings after the shaking triggered emergency safety procedures. Local media reported that government offices were also evacuated as a precaution.
The earthquake was also felt across El Salvador, according to witnesses. However, authorities in the affected countries did not immediately report casualties or significant structural damage.
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In Mexico’s Oaxaca state, Governor Salomon Jara said the quake was felt with moderate intensity in the state capital. He added that no major damage had been reported during the initial assessments.
Emergency authorities continued monitoring the situation while damage inspections remained underway. Officials urged residents in affected coastal areas to follow safety instructions and tsunami advisories.