Earthquake in Mexico: tsunami warning is suspended for the coast and other Latin countries By Carolina Costa
3 min read
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A tsunami warning for Mexico and several countries in Latin America was officially canceled this Friday, July 17, 2026. The suspension measure occurred hours after a strong earthquake, with magnitude 7.3, hit the southern Mexican coast region. The news brought relief to millions of people who were initially preparing for the possibility of giant waves.
Understand how the threat was initially communicated
The initial warning was issued shortly after the earthquake, predicting the possibility of tsunami waves within a radius of up to 300 kilometers from the epicenter. The areas most directly impacted by this projection included the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala. In addition, the alert extended to eight other countries in Latin America, where smaller waves were expected.
Countries that were under tsunami warning
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Peru
Recommendations from Mexican authorities after the earthquake
Before the official cancellation of the alert, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, used her social networks to convey guidance to the population. She reported that the Navy Secretariat strongly advised people not to go near the beaches for six hours after the incident, as a precautionary measure.
Admiral Raymundo Morales, Secretary of the Mexican Navy, had declared that, despite the warning, the expected waves would be of low intensity, not foreseeing “a serious problem”. However, he emphasized the importance of staying away from the coast, given the initial uncertainty. Projections indicated that waves should not exceed half a meter on some beaches.
Details about the earthquake that hit the Mexican coast
The earthquake, recorded at magnitude 7.3, occurred on the South Coast of Mexico, close to the border with Guatemala, in the early afternoon of that Friday. Initially, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) had reported a magnitude of 7.4, but later revised the intensity to the final value of 7.3.
The epicenter of the phenomenon was located at sea, near the Mexican city of Puerto Madero. However, the tremor was strongly felt on land, especially in the Chiapas region, in southern Mexico, and in several locations in Guatemala and even in El Salvador.
Why the depth of the tremor increases the risk
Analysis by the USGS indicated that the depth of the earthquake was only 10 kilometers. This geological characteristic is considered low and can amplify the effects of the tremor on the Earth’s surface, increasing the damage. Despite this risk factor, the preliminary assessment of impacts was surprisingly positive.
Balance of damages and victims after the seismic event
Despite the intensity of the earthquake and its shallow depth, which could cause greater impacts, Mexico did not record significant damage or fatalities. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed this scenario on her social networks, stating that she had spoken with the governors of Chiapas and Tabasco, states that have not reported losses so far. The authorities’ quick response and prompt cancellation of the tsunami warning were essential to avoid widespread panic and ensure the safety of the local population.
