7.3 quake off southern Mexico triggers tsunami warning

A powerful earthquake struck off the Pacific coast of southern Mexico near the Guatemala border on Friday, July 17, 2026, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuations across the region. The United States Geological Survey reported the quake occurred at 8:48 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico, and 71 kilometers west-southwest of Puerto Madero in the state of Chiapas. The magnitude was initially reported as 7.4 but was later revised to 7.3, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.

The quake triggered immediate tsunami alerts for coastal areas of Mexico and Guatemala within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. The Mexican tsunami warning center stated that sea levels could rise by up to 105 centimeters and warned of strong currents, advising people to stay away from beaches until the alert is canceled. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also issued a warning for hazardous waves along affected coasts.

Strong shaking was reported across western Mexico and Guatemala, particularly near the coasts. In Guatemala City, buildings swayed violently, prompting evacuations of government offices and sending residents rushing into the streets. The...