7.3 earthquake hits Mexico coast and activates tsunami warning for nine countries
A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.3 was recorded on Friday, July 17, in the coastal region of southern Mexico, close to the border with Guatemala. The occurrence led the United States Tsunami Warning System to issue a risk warning for Mexico, Guatemala and eight other nations in Latin America, although waves of lower intensity were expected.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the ocean, near the Mexican city of Puerto Madero. However, its strength was intensely perceived in land areas, specifically in Chiapas, in southern Mexico, in addition to large parts of Guatemala and even in El Salvador.
Preliminary information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated a magnitude of 7.4. However, the agency later revised the intensity of the phenomenon to 7.3, a crucial detail for the accuracy of the impacts.
The USGS also pointed out that the depth of the earthquake was 15 kilometers, a measure considered shallow, capable of magnifying the impacts felt on the surface and potentially causing damage. Despite this, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declared that there were no reports of injuries or damage in the affected regions so far.
President Sheinbaum reinforced the guidance for residents of the states of Chiapas and Tabasco, located in the south of the country, to avoid coastal areas. “The Navy Secretariat advises that no one approaches these beaches for the next six hours due to the risk of a tsunami,” said the Mexican leader.
Learn more: Earthquake in Mexico had no victims or structural damage, says country’s president
Mexican authorities project low-intensity waves
The United States Tsunami Warning System issued a warning about the likelihood of tsunami waves reaching the coastal strip within a radius of 300 kilometers from the epicenter location.
In an update released, the agency mentioned that forecasts indicate waves of up to 1 meter high on the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala. Smaller waves are expected in the coastal areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru.
Admiral Raymundo Morales, Secretary of the Navy of Mexico, reported that, in general, the waves tend to be of low amplitude and that “a serious problem” is not expected. However, he reiterated the advice for the population to stay away from the coast.
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“In relation to maritime conditions, the expectation is that the water level will rise by a maximum of half a meter on certain beaches. This is a tsunami effect generated by the earthquake. The advice for people is to stay away from the beaches, although there is no indication of a serious situation”, explained the admiral.
The National Seismological Service of Mexico also documented a series of aftershocks after the main shock, all concentrated in areas adjacent to the epicenter, in the towns of Ciudad Hidalgo, Huixtla and Mapastepec.
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Impacts of the earthquake are felt in neighboring nations
In the Guatemalan capital, the earthquake caused tremors in buildings and caused several residents to leave their homes and take to the streets. Local television stations showed scenes of people evacuating buildings in Guatemala City. President Bernardo Arévalo reported that there are no reports of victims in Guatemala.
The effects of the earthquake were also felt in El Salvador.
In Oaxaca, another state located in southern Mexico, governor Salomón Jara published on digital platforms that the tremor was felt with moderate intensity in the state capital. However, there were no immediate reports of considerable damage.
More on this story: Update: 6.5 magnitude earthquake shakes southern Mexico and causes preventive evacuations in the capital
