Mexico City — A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Chiapas on Friday, prompting authorities to activate a tsunami alert for the southern Pacific coastline of Mexico and Guatemala.
The National Seismological Service (SSN) reported that the quake occurred at 8:48 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located 135 kilometers (84 miles) southwest of Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Following the tremor, the Tsunami Alert Center of the Mexican Navy (CAT-SEMAR) and the U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a bulletin directed at civil protection, maritime, and naval authorities.
CAT-SEMAR warned that the highest risk zones are along the coasts of Chiapas and Oaxaca, where sea level variations of up to 1.05 meters (3.4 feet) above tide could occur, particularly at Pampa Honda, Chiapas. Elevations of up to 0.60 meters (2 feet) are expected at Barra Zacapulco and La Mona, while elsewhere along the Mexican Pacific, variations are forecast between 0.01 and 0.05 meters (0.03 to 0.16 feet).
Authorities urged the public to stay away from beaches until the alert is canceled and warned of possible strong currents in ports. The first sea level changes were expected as early as 9:20 a.m. in Huatulco and Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca, and from 9:28 a.m. in Puerto Chiapas.
No major damage has been reported so far, but officials said they will continue monitoring sea conditions and urged the population to follow official information channels.
