A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of the Mexican state of Chiapas, prompting a tsunami warning. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake had a magnitude of 7.3.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said “hazardous tsunami waves” could occur along coasts within a radius of 300 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake. The warning applies to parts of the Pacific Ocean closest to the shaking zone.
The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded near Puerto Madero, a major Pacific port and fishing town located about 13 kilometers from the border with Guatemala. The USGS initially reported a magnitude of 7.4, but later revised the estimate to 7.3. The earthquake occurred at a depth of just 10 kilometers.
Shallow earthquakes usually cause stronger ground shaking and can cause more damage. Shaking of this strength is often accompanied by other destructive consequences, such as landslides.
The governor of the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara, announced that the moderate-intensity earthquake was also felt in the state capital. According to initial information, there are no reports of injuries or major material damage, he said on social media.
The earthquake shook buildings in Guatemala’s capital, Guatemala City, as some residents took to the streets in fear, Reuters reported.
The tremors were also felt in the neighboring country of El Salvador. /Telegraph/