Strong Earthquake Hits Southern Mexico

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Mexican state of Chiapas near the city of Puerto Madero on Friday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. The quake struck at a depth of about 15 km.

The US Tsunami Warning System issued an alert for potentially hazardous waves along the coast within about 300 km of the epicenter.

The tremor was also felt in neighboring Guatemala and El Salvador, prompting precautionary evacuations. Authorities in Guatemala City activated emergency protocols and evacuated several government buildings.

Salomon Jara, governor of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, said the earthquake was also felt in the state capital, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage.

Authorities have not reported any casualties or significant property damage.

(Reuters, MJA)