**Strong Quake Off Mexican Coast Rattles Guatemala and El Salvador, Leaves No Damage**
A significant earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, on Friday, sending tremors felt across neighboring Guatemala and El Salvador. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage in the affected regions.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 15.2 kilometers (9.4 miles) and was initially reported by the US Geological Survey as a 7.4 magnitude quake at a shallower depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). The epicenter was located approximately 58 kilometers (36 miles) from the small coastal town of Puerto Madero.
In response to the earthquake, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that emergency protocols had been activated. Reports from Chiapas and the neighboring state of Tabasco indicated that there were no significant issues following the tremor. Similarly, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo confirmed that there were no fatalities in Guatemala.
Despite the lack of serious damage, the earthquake prompted a swift response from residents in Guatemala City, where many fled their homes and offices. Witnesses reported that the shaking caused people to spill onto the streets in panic. Local media captured footage of government employees evacuating their offices as safety protocols were enacted.
“I got really scared and it reminded me of the recent earthquake in Venezuela. So, I ran out and went down the stairs because I live on the eighth floor. The shaking wouldn’t stop,” recounted Alexander Valdez, a 29-year-old accountant living in Guatemala City. Another resident, Adolfo Zacarias, 43, described seeking shelter under a structural column during the quake, expressing that memories of a recent earthquake in Venezuela heightened his fears.
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a statement following the quake, indicating that hazardous tsunami waves could be possible along coasts within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter. The warning suggested that water levels could rise between 0.3 meters (1 foot) and 1 meter (3 feet) above tide levels for certain coastal areas in Mexico and Guatemala. However, Mexico’s Secretary of the Navy, Raymundo Morales, reassured the public that any potential rise in water levels was not expected to exceed half a meter (1.5 feet) and advised people to avoid beaches as a precaution.
Morales stated during a government press conference, “There is no problem, no serious maritime impact. We only expect some beaches to see a rise in water level of up to half a meter due to the tsunami effect from the earthquake.”
In the aftermath of the initial quake, a series of aftershocks were felt in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, with some registering between 5 and 6 in magnitude. These aftershocks contributed to the unease among residents who had already experienced the initial tremor.
The earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic activity that can affect Central America, a region that has experienced significant quakes in the past. The recent experience of Venezuela, which faced twin earthquakes on June 24, further amplified the anxiety among residents in Guatemala. The Venezuelan earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, caused considerable destruction and necessitated extensive rescue and relief efforts.
As of now, authorities in both Mexico and Central America continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that emergency protocols remain in place and that the public is informed about any developments regarding aftershocks or potential tsunami threats. The quick response from government officials and the lack of serious consequences from the quake highlight the importance of preparedness in regions prone to seismic activity.