Mexico hit by massive 7.4 earthquake, tsunami warning triggers coastal alert | VIDEOS
Mexico city: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Puerto Madero in Mexico's southern Chiapas state on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometres, causing strong tremors that were felt across southern Mexico and parts of Central America.
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami alert, warning that hazardous waves could affect coastal areas within 300 kilometres of the epicentre along the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Guatemala. Authorities began monitoring the coastline and advised residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow official safety instructions.
🔴Sismo de magnitud 7.4 frente a las costas de Chiapas, muy cerca de Ciudad Hidalgo/Puerto Madero. El movimiento fue perceptible en Guatemala, El Salvador y el sur de México.
📌 Reporte preliminar: sin víctimas ni afectaciones mayores.
🚨 La Secretaría de Marina pide evitar… pic.twitter.com/YrZVqtntLT— ZuritaCarpio (@ZuritaCarpio) July 17, 2026
Videos shared on social media showed buildings shaking as the quake struck, with many residents rushing out of homes, offices and public buildings. Emergency protocols were activated in several cities as people gathered in open spaces until the tremors subsided.
The earthquake was also felt in Guatemala City, where office workers and residents evacuated buildings as a precaution. According to Reuters, tremors were reported in neighbouring El Salvador as well, highlighting the wide reach of the seismic event.
In Mexico's Oaxaca state, Governor Salomón Jara Cruz said the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity. Civil protection agencies immediately launched inspections and monitoring operations across different regions to assess any impact and ensure public safety.
The governor said preliminary assessments had not identified any significant damage in Oaxaca. He urged people to remain calm, follow guidance issued by emergency authorities and rely only on official government updates for accurate information.
Emergency teams continued inspecting roads, buildings and public infrastructure while monitoring coastal areas covered by the tsunami warning. As of the latest updates, there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, though authorities said assessments were continuing across the affected regions.