Massive Earthquake Hits Southern Mexico: What You Need to Know

A significant earthquake measuring 7.3 struck southern Mexico, near the Guatemala border, causing tremors felt as far as Mexico City and El Salvador. While two injuries were reported, authorities confirmed no severe damage or fatalities. The quake was followed by multiple aftershocks, and precautionary measures were taken, including beach evacuations due to potential tsunami risks. Residents experienced panic, but initial assessments indicate a fortunate lack of major consequences. Read on for detailed insights and updates on this seismic event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 11:43 IST

Strong Earthquake Strikes Southern Mexico

Tapachula: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck the southern coast of Mexico on Friday, near the Guatemala border. The tremors were felt as far away as Mexico City and El Salvador, but fortunately, no significant damage or fatalities were reported across the affected regions. However, two individuals sustained injuries in southern Mexico.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake's epicenter was located 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Aquiles Serdan, off the Chiapas coast, at a depth of 15 kilometers (9 miles). This major quake was preceded by a smaller tremor originating further out in the ocean.

USGS recorded at least ten aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes of 4.9 to 6.

In Tapachula, the primary city on Mexico's southern border, residents initially felt a mild tremor that escalated in intensity. Alejandra Mendoza, an administrative worker at a local hospital, recounted, "We were on the second floor when the shaking began; we thought it would subside, but it intensified, prompting us to evacuate to the front courtyard in an orderly fashion."

Demetrio Martinez, the head of the city's Civil Protection agency, reported that a Haitian migrant woman in her 30s experienced a nervous breakdown and jumped from a height of approximately four meters (13 feet) from an apartment building. She was hospitalized with fractures but is not in critical condition. Another minor injury occurred due to a broken window at a nearby business.

In Guatemala City, the earthquake alarmed residents due to its duration, leading many to rush into the streets during the morning commute, resulting in several building evacuations.

Guatemala's National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) confirmed no immediate damage, although social media showcased videos of landslides on roads heading west.

The Ministry of Education in Guatemala suspended in-person classes in the departments of San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepequez, and Retalhuleu, which are close to the quake's epicenter.

In Mexico City, buildings shook, but the earthquake alert system did not activate, as the initial energy release did not meet the necessary thresholds, according to government officials.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that initial assessments indicated no damage. The navy advised avoiding beaches for six hours due to potential tsunami risks.

The Meteorological Service of Chiapas warned of possible tsunami waves reaching up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) along the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala.

In Suchiate, a town along the river that divides Mexico and Guatemala, Mayor Elmer Vazquez Gallardo mentioned that coastal areas are under surveillance for tsunami threats.

In San Salvador, the earthquake was also felt strongly, but no casualties or damage were reported. The Ministry of Environment noted another minor quake off the coast of Usulutan in eastern El Salvador.

This region is known for its seismic activity, with past earthquakes causing significant destruction. Earlier this year, a strong quake in southern and central Mexico resulted in two fatalities, and a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico City claimed hundreds of lives.