7.3 quake hits southern Mexico, no damage yet reported
MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities said no immediate damage was reported after a powerful earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the southern state of Chiapas, shaking Mexico City hundreds of kilometers away.
The US Geological Survey said the 7.3-magnitude earthquake occurred at 8:48 a.m. Mexico City time, and the epicenter was about 30 miles southwest of the city of Huixtla in the state of Chiapas, near the Guatemala border. The survey indicated the earthquake had a depth of 9.2 miles.
Reports in Chiapas showed a series of aftershocks as panicked residents fled their homes as a precaution.
A video on the southern state’s social media showed people gathering on the streets amid uncertainty.
According to reports, authorities in Chiapas suspended official activities and warned of a potential tsunami.
News of the earthquake came as Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum was wrapping up her regular morning press conference. In a later post on X, Sheinbaum said no damage was reported in Chiapas and the state of Tabasco on Mexico’s east coast, where the shaking was felt.
There was no sign of damage, Mexican Navy Minister Raymundo Pedro Morales told reporters.
Authorities were advising the public to stay away from beaches in the two states due to potential tsunami risk.
Special correspondent Cecilia Sánchez Vidal contributed.
