A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the
southern coast of Mexico on Friday, July 17, triggering a tsunami alert for
parts of the Pacific coastline and causing widespread panic across Mexico and
neighbouring Central American countries.
According to the United States Geological Survey
(USGS), the earthquake occurred about 48 kilometres off the coast of Aquiles
Serdán at a depth of approximately 18 kilometres.
Mexico's National Seismological Service reported more
than 30 aftershocks following the initial quake, with the strongest measuring
magnitude 6.8.
In response, the United States National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami threat alert, prompting
authorities to advise residents in coastal communities to stay away from
beaches as a precaution.
The earthquake was strongly felt across the Mexican
states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, as well as in neighbouring Guatemala and El
Salvador.
As of the time of reporting, no deaths or serious
injuries had been confirmed.
In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas State,
frightened residents rushed out of buildings as the tremor shook the city.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had been
in contact with the governors of the affected states to monitor the situation,
while Navy Secretary Raymundo Morales assured the public that there had been no
significant damage.
"There are no serious effects," the
government said as emergency officials continued to assess the impact of the
earthquake.
In Guatemala City, authorities evacuated several
buildings and suspended classes in communities near the Mexican border due to
the strength of the tremor.
Although Mexico City is located more than 800
kilometres from the epicentre, residents reported feeling the earthquake,
prompting precautionary evacuations from a number of high-rise buildings.
Mexico and much of Central America lie along active
tectonic plate boundaries within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making the region
one of the most seismically active areas in the world.
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