7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mexico-Guatemala Border; No Severe Damage Reported

Source: AP

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.3 in magnitude struck the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Friday (July 17, 2026), directly on the border with Guatemala. The tremor was felt as far away as Mexico City and El Salvador.

Authorities have not reported any severe damage or casualties in any of the affected countries.

Earthquake Details

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):

• Magnitude: 7.3
• Epicentre: 48 kilometres southwest of Aquiles Serdan, near the coast of Chiapas
• Depth: 15 kilometres
• The quake was preceded by a smaller tremor with an epicentre slightly further out in the ocean.

Local Response

In the town of Suchiate, located along the river separating Mexico from Guatemala, coastal areas are being monitored for tsunami risk, according to Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo.

In Tapachula, the main city on Mexico's southern border, the tremor began mildly but gradually intensified.

"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."

>

— Alejandra Mendoza, administrative employee at a public hospital in Tapachula, speaking to The Associated Press

In Guatemala City, residents were frightened by the duration of the earthquake. Many people poured into the streets during rush hour as the workday was beginning.

Mexico City Alert System

In the Mexican capital, buildings in certain areas creaked and shook. However, the earthquake alert did not sound. The government explained that "the energy radiated by the earthquake during the first few seconds did not exceed the activation thresholds."