Powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake strikes off Mexico’s pacific coast

MEXICO CITY: A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast on Friday, prompting tsunami alerts for parts of Mexico and neighboring Guatemala, authorities said.

The earthquake was initially reported as magnitude 7.4 before being revised to 7.3. Its epicenter was located offshore near the coast of Chiapas state, close to the border with Guatemala.

Following the quake, authorities issued tsunami alerts for parts of the Pacific coastline in Mexico and Guatemala, urging residents to stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas as a precaution.

The tremor was also felt across Guatemala, El Salvador and other parts of southern Mexico, prompting evacuations from buildings in several areas.

Officials said there were no immediate reports of major casualties or widespread damage, though damage assessments were ongoing. Authorities also reported a series of aftershocks and continued monitoring the situation.