A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of southern Mexico on Friday, prompting a tsunami warning for nearby Pacific coastlines. The quake, which occurred at 08:49 local time near the fishing town of Puerto Madero in Mexico, had a depth of approximately 9 miles.
Mexican authorities reported no fatalities or significant damage resulting from the tremor. Admiral Raymundo Morales, of Mexico's navy, stated that there was "no serious impact" but advised the public to stay away from beaches. The governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz, confirmed the quake was felt with "moderate intensity" but no significant damage was reported in the state.
In Chiapas, the state closest to the epicenter, Governor Eduardo Ramírez reported no serious impact but suspended administrative activities and urged the private sector to do the same. The US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning for potential "hazardous tsunami waves" along the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala. The system later recorded waves of 0.3 meters (1.1 feet) above tide level in Puerto Madero and Chiapas. While the tsunami threat has since passed, authorities are advising caution near the sea.
The earthquake was also felt in Guatemala and El Salvador, where buildings shook and some residents evacuated their homes. A series of aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 4.7 to 6, have been recorded following the initial tremor.