7.8 magnitude earthquake hits Mexico, felt across Guatemala, El Salvador, triggering tsunami warning
by By The News Digital · The News InternationalA 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico on Friday, shaking parts of Guatemala and El Salvador and prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific coast.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicentre was located about 48 kilometres southwest of Aquiles Serdán in the Mexican state of Chiapas.
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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that hazardous tsunami waves could be possible within 300 kilometres of the epicentre.
It said waves of up to one metre above normal tide levels were possible along parts of the Mexican and Guatemalan coasts.
Mexican Secretary of the Navy Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles said there were “no issues” following the earthquake.
“There is no serious damage. Regarding maritime conditions, water levels at some beaches are expected to rise by up to half a meter due to the earthquake. The public is advised to stay away from beaches for the time being,” Morales Ángeles said during President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily news conference.
Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara Cruz said the earthquake was felt “with moderate intensity” in the state capital and that “no significant damage” had been reported.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo said no fatalities had been reported and emergency response plans had been activated.
Authorities in El Salvador also said there had been no reports of damage.