A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of approximately 7.4 struck waters near the southern Mexican state of Chiapas on July 17. The epicenter was located off Mexico’s Pacific coast near the Guatemalan border, and strong tremors were felt in neighboring countries, including Guatemala and El Salvador. Buildings in several parts of Guatemala City were reported to have shaken.
According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at approximately 8:48 a.m. local time in Chiapas on July 17. It had a depth of about 10 to 15 kilometres, making it a powerful shallow earthquake.
The epicenter was not in Guatemala but off the coast of Mexico’s Chiapas state, near the border between Mexico and Guatemala.
Reuters reported that buildings in Guatemala City visibly shook following the earthquake. A Reuters witness said local residents felt the effects of the tremor.
Other reports indicated that the earthquake was felt across southern Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of El Salvador. Residents in some areas evacuated buildings as a precaution, while local authorities began inspecting for possible damage.
Success
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Success
Check your email to complete sign up
Because the epicenter was located near the Pacific coast, authorities initially issued tsunami risk advisories for parts of the Mexican and Guatemalan coastlines.
After conducting an assessment, U.S. agencies said there was no tsunami threat to the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, or other U.S. territories.
As of the latest reports, authorities in Mexico and Guatemala had not reported any major casualties or widespread structural damage. Local emergency agencies continued to monitor the situation and warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.
