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A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of southern Mexico on Friday, triggering a tsunami warning and sending strong tremors across parts of Central America, including Guatemala and El Salvador.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck near Puerto Madero in Mexico's Chiapas state at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, increasing the potential for strong ground shaking.
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat warning, saying hazardous tsunami waves were possible along coastlines within 300 kilometres of the earthquake's epicentre.
Authorities urged coastal areas to remain alert as they monitored the risk of sea-level changes.
The powerful quake was felt well beyond Mexico, shaking buildings in Guatemala City and prompting evacuations in several areas. Residents in neighbouring El Salvador also reported strong tremors, according to Reuters.
Videos shared on social media showed buildings swaying, objects falling from shelves and walls, and people rushing out of homes and offices.
There were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage as authorities began assessing the impact of the earthquake in affected regions.
A 7.4-magnitude quake is classified as a major earthquake and has the potential to cause widespread damage, particularly in areas close to the epicentre.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck near Puerto Madero in Mexico's Chiapas state at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, increasing the potential for strong ground shaking.
Tsunami warning issued
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat warning, saying hazardous tsunami waves were possible along coastlines within 300 kilometres of the earthquake's epicentre.
Authorities urged coastal areas to remain alert as they monitored the risk of sea-level changes.
Tremors felt across Central America
The powerful quake was felt well beyond Mexico, shaking buildings in Guatemala City and prompting evacuations in several areas. Residents in neighbouring El Salvador also reported strong tremors, according to Reuters.
Videos shared on social media showed buildings swaying, objects falling from shelves and walls, and people rushing out of homes and offices.
🇲🇽🌍 BREAKING: Powerful 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Mexico's Pacific Coast! 🚨⚠️
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck off the southwestern coast of Mexico, approximately 71 km west-southwest of Puerto Madero, at a depth of 10 km, according to the USGS. pic.twitter.com/YjIJPY3Qs9
— Disaster Zone (@Disaster_X_) July 17, 2026
Terremoto Magnitud 7.4 en San Marcos de larga duración . pic.twitter.com/3gZ23Zc9rV
— Clima Guatemala (@ClimaenGuate) July 17, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: 7.4 magnitude earthquake just slammed the coast of Chiapas, Mexico - felt hard in Guatemala and El Salvador.
People are pouring out of buildings in Guatemala right now.
Watch the chaos unfold 👇 pic.twitter.com/7zgCbpGAa5
— Predictivemoney (@Predictivemoney) July 17, 2026
No immediate reports of casualties
There were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage as authorities began assessing the impact of the earthquake in affected regions.
A 7.4-magnitude quake is classified as a major earthquake and has the potential to cause widespread damage, particularly in areas close to the epicentre.
