A tsunami alert has been issued following a significant 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit near the shores of Mexico and Guatemala. Residents within 300km of the epicenter, situated off the coast of Puerto Madero in Chiapas, have been advised to make necessary preparations.

The earthquake, occurring at a depth of 10km, has prompted concerns about potential hazardous tsunami waves along the coastline, as stated by USGS. The tremor, which struck at 8:48am local time southwest of Huixtla, Chiapas, was felt in Guatemala, where buildings were evacuated in Guatemala City.

The National Seismological Service reported the earthquake’s epicenter as 71km west-southwest of Puerto Madero. In response, the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC) is coordinating with local units to assess damages in the affected regions.

Reports indicate that the quake was also felt in El Salvador and Mexico. Evacuations have been carried out in Mexico, while images shared online show people being moved to safety in Guatemala. Both US and Mexican tsunami warning centers have issued alerts.

Mexico’s geographical location over five tectonic plates, including the Caribbean, North American, Pacific, Rivera, and Cocos plates, exposes it to a heightened risk of seismic activity. The constant interaction between these plates increases the likelihood of earthquakes in the region. Authorities have emphasized the potential danger of tsunami waves for coastal areas near the earthquake’s epicenter in Chiapas, Mexico.