A powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale jolted the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Friday, close to the Guatemalan border, sending shockwaves felt across a wide area, including Mexico City and as far as El Salvador. Fortunately, despite its strength, authorities have reported no major damage or fatalities, although two individuals in southern Mexico did sustain injuries.
Epicentre and Aftershocks
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the quake’s epicentre approximately 30 miles southwest of Aquiles Serdan, located off the coast of Chiapas, at a depth of nine miles. This significant seismic event was preceded by a smaller tremor in the Pacific Ocean and was followed by over ten aftershocks, with magnitudes ranging from 4.9 to 6. Residents of Tapachula, a prominent city near the border, initially described the shaking as mild, but it quickly escalated in intensity.
Experiences of Residents
In Guatemala City, the quake caused considerable alarm among residents, particularly due to its duration. Alejandra Mendoza, an administrative staff member at a local hospital, recounted her experience: “We were upstairs on the second floor when it started shaking; we thought it would pass, but then it got stronger, so we all went downstairs and evacuated in an orderly manner to the front courtyard.”
Demetrio Martínez, head of the city’s Civil Protection agency, reported that a Haitian migrant woman in her thirties suffered a nervous breakdown and leapt from a height of about four metres (13 feet) from an apartment building. Although she was taken to hospital with fractures, officials confirmed her life is not in danger. There was also a report of another minor injury resulting from a broken window at a nearby business.
Impact on Education and Infrastructure
In response to the earthquake, Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) announced that no immediate structural damage had been recorded. Social media showcased videos of landslides, particularly affecting roads leading westward. As a precaution, the Ministry of Education suspended in-person classes across several departments near the quake’s epicentre, including San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu.
In the Mexican capital, residents felt buildings creak and sway, yet the earthquake alert system did not activate. The government explained that the initial energy released by the quake did not surpass the thresholds required for an alert. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that preliminary assessments indicated no significant damage. Additionally, authorities advised the public to avoid coastal areas for six hours due to potential tsunami threats.
Regional Response
The Meteorological Service of Chiapas issued warnings of possible tsunami waves reaching up to one metre (3.3 feet) along the coasts of Mexico and Guatemala. In Suchiate, a town straddling the border, Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo confirmed that coastal areas were being monitored for any tsunami risks. Meanwhile, San Salvador also reported strong tremors, but like its neighbours, confirmed no deaths or damages, although a lesser intensity quake occurred off the coast of Usulután.
The region is no stranger to seismic activity, having experienced deadly quakes in the past. Earlier this year, a significant earthquake in southern and central Mexico resulted in two fatalities, while a devastating 7.1 magnitude quake in 2017 claimed hundreds of lives in Mexico City.
Why it Matters
This recent earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic risks that persist in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in areas like Mexico and Central America. While the immediate impact appears to be minimal, the preparedness and response of authorities highlight the importance of disaster management systems in mitigating risks. As communities reflect on this event, it is crucial to consider the resilience of infrastructure and the need for continued vigilance in the face of natural disasters that could easily escalate into tragedies.
