Tsunami Warning Issued After 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mexico, Felt in Guatemala and El Salvador

Powerful earthquake strikes Chiapas

Tsunami warning issued in Mexico.

Authorities report no major damage.

A powerful earthquake with its epicenter off the coast of Chiapas was felt across several Central American countries, while authorities in Mexico and El Salvador reported no major damage.

A preliminary magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck southern Mexico on Friday and was strongly felt in Guatemala and El Salvador.

The earthquake was initially reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

According to the agency, the epicenter was located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Aquiles Serdán.

7.4 earthquake in Mexico prompts tsunami warning

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 – 71 km WSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico https://t.co/TrYCaqtbdY

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) July 17, 2026

Aquiles Serdán is part of the municipality of Huixtla in the Mexican state of Chiapas, according to CNN.

The Chiapas earthquake caused strong shaking throughout the region surrounding the epicenter.

Authorities immediately began assessing conditions following the seismic event.

So far, official reports indicate no significant damage.

Government agencies continue monitoring seismic activity and any potential aftereffects.

Epicenter located off the Chiapas coast

The earthquake in Chiapas caught Governor @ramirezlalo_ by surprise during an event in Chenalhó.
The magnitude was later updated to 7.4, with the epicenter located near Ciudad Hidalgo. pic.twitter.com/Q2GC5FoAN5

— Manuel Lopez San Martin (@MLopezSanMartin) July 17, 2026

The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter of the earthquake off the coast of the Mexican state of Chiapas.

USGS initially reported the quake as a preliminary magnitude 7.3 event.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s National Seismological Service measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.4.

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According to Mexican authorities, the earthquake struck at 8:48 a.m. local time (10:48 a.m. ET).

The National Seismological Service also reported that the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

Because it was a relatively shallow earthquake, the shaking was felt more intensely near the epicenter.

Shallow earthquakes typically produce stronger ground motion at the surface.

Authorities monitor the border region

Morales Ángeles said preliminary inspections found no reports of serious damage.

«There is no major damage. As for maritime conditions, we only expect sea levels to rise by up to half a meter due to the earthquake. We urge the public to stay away from beaches for the time being,» he said following President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference.
Mexican authorities advised residents and visitors to avoid beaches as a precaution.

The recommendation was issued because of the possibility of temporary sea-level fluctuations.

Meanwhile, Guatemala’s National Seismological Service released a preliminary report on the earthquake.

The agency identified the municipality of Ocós as the closest Guatemalan community to the epicenter.

Ocós is located in the department of San Marcos, near the border with the Mexican state of Chiapas.

Tsunami warning activated in Mexico

The powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake prompted a Mexico tsunami warning for the southern coasts of Mexico and Guatemala, according to the Tsunami Warning Center of the Mexican Navy (CAT-SEMAR).

The official bulletin states that the areas facing the greatest potential impact are the coastlines of Chiapas and Oaxaca, where sea-level fluctuations of up to 105 centimeters (41 inches) above the normal tide are possible.

CAT-SEMAR advised authorities to: «Keep the public away from beaches until the tsunami warning is canceled. Strong currents are expected at harbor entrances.»

Officials continue to monitor coastal conditions while evaluating the earthquake’s impact across the affected region.