Early Assessment Finds No Structural Damages After 7.4 Magnitude Quake
Mexico’s southern regions remain under assessment following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck near the border with Guatemala on Friday morning. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that no structural damages have been reported across Chiapas and Tabasco. Authorities have activated civil protection protocols and issued a preventive tsunami alert for coastal areas.
Epicenter Struck Near Chiapas Border
The earthquake occurred at 08:48 local time (14:48 GMT) on Friday. According to the National Seismological Service (SSN), the epicenter was located southwest of Huixtla, near Ciudad Hidalgo. The tremor was felt across various regions of Chiapas and Oaxaca.
President Sheinbaum stated on her X account that she has communicated with the governors of Chiapas and Tabasco to coordinate safety measures. “Authorities of the three levels of government are conducting field tours to evaluate potential structural damage and coordinate preventive measures,” Sheinbaum noted. Chiapas Governor Eduardo Ramírez ordered the suspension of administrative activities and urged the private sector to follow suit, confirming that there are currently no reports of damage.
Pacific Coast Braces for Sea Level Fluctuations
Following the seismic activity, the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), through its Tsunami Alert Center, issued a warning for the Mexican Pacific coast. Officials anticipate potential sea level fluctuations of up to 1.05 meters above the tide in parts of Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Secretary of the Navy Raymundo Pedro Morales indicated that while there are no reports of severe damage to maritime infrastructure, the public should anticipate unusual currents and temporary sea level rises. The government has advised residents to avoid coastal areas for at least six hours following the event as a precaution.
Statewide Protocols Triggered Across Southern Mexico
Mexico remains one of the most seismically active nations globally due to its location at the intersection of several tectonic plates. The southern states, particularly Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero, frequently experience high-intensity seismic events.
Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara confirmed that state-level protocols were triggered immediately following the tremor, with preliminary assessments showing no major infrastructure failures. Emergency personnel from the Secretariat of Civil Protection in Chiapas continue to monitor the state, focusing on housing, critical infrastructure, and essential services to ensure public safety as the situation develops.
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