In brief
A 7.3‑magnitude quake jolted the waters off southern Mexico on July 17, prompting a tsunami alert for several Pacific coastlines. Mexican officials reported no fatalities or major damage, though coastal communities were advised to stay away from shore. The earthquake, occurring at a depth of 15 km near Puerto Madero, produced waves up to 30 cm in Mexico and triggered aftershocks ranging from 4.7 to 6.0. Authorities in Guatemala and El Salvador evacuated buildings, while NOAA warned of small tsunami waves across Central America. Residents are urged to remain prepared and heed local authorities’ instructions.
A powerful 7.3‑magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Mexico on Friday, July 17, at around 08:49 local time (14:49 GMT). The quake, which occurred at a depth of 15.2 km (9 miles) near the fishing town of Puerto Madero, sent shock waves throughout the region.
Mexico’s navy secretary, Admiral Raymundo Morales, said there was no serious impact, but advised residents to stay away from beaches. No fatalities or significant damage have been reported in Mexico or Guatemala, and the state of Oaxaca’s governor, Salomón Jara Cruz, called the quake a “moderate intensity” event with no major damage.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for parts of the Pacific coast, including Mexico and Guatemala. It warned of “hazardous tsunami waves” along those coasts. The warning was later downgraded once waves of only 0.3 m (1.1 feet) above tide level were recorded in Puerto Madero and Chiapas. The centre now advises people in affected areas to remain observant and exercise normal caution near the sea.
Guatemala’s president, Bernardo Arévalo, announced the deployment of the country’s emergency management agency in response to a 5.6‑magnitude quake centered in Quetzaltenango. No fatalities were reported there either, and he urged the population to remain calm and follow official recommendations.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast waves of less than 0.3 m above tide level along the coasts of El Salvador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Honduras. In Puerto Madero the waves lasted 12 minutes, while in Chiapas they lasted 28 minutes.
A series of aftershocks, with magnitudes between 4.7 and 6.0, have been recorded. Residents in the region are advised to stay alert for further updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
