Earthquake of magnitude 7.3 jolts Mexico, tsunami warning issued

An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale rattled WSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico on Friday (July 17), the United ​States ​Geological Survey (USGS) ‌said. The earthquake took place 48 kilometers off the coast of the Mexican town of Aquiles Serdan, at a depth of just 18 kilometers.

The Mexican seismological service recorded over 30 aftershocks with up to a 6.8 magnitude.

A tsunami warning was issued for parts of Pacific located closer to the earthquake region by US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

According to the alarm sounded, hazardous tsunami waves from the quake were possible within 300 km of the epicentre along the coasts of Mexico and Gautemala.

There have been no victims as a result of the earthquake so far.

Taking to X Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo said, “So far, there are no fatalities, and we are monitoring the situation minute by minute.”

“I call on the population to remain calm and to follow the recommendations for these cases,” he added.

As the quake struck people rushed out of their houses and waited on the streets for all-clear signals.

The quake was felt across a large area, including Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico City. No immediate report of serious damage or casualties was reported from any part of the region.

Mexico and Central America are located on different tectonic plates whose movements have turned the region into one of the most earthquake-prone in the world.