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M7.3 Quake Off Chiapas Triggers 1-Meter Tsunami Warning, No Casualties

7/18/2026

24 3 Full Breakdown

Center

Mexico Issues Alert

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned hazardous waves up to one meter could affect coasts within 300 km of the epicenter.
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Chiapas, Mexico, with officials reporting no immediate casualties or major damage.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said protocols were activated and reported no issues in Chiapas or Tabasco.
Secretary of the Navy Raymundo Morales warned water could rise half a meter, urging avoidance.

Left

Guatemala Issues Alert

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo reported no fatalities while emergency response plans were being deployed.
The navy warned residents to avoid beaches for six hours because of a possible one-meter tsunami affecting Mexico and Guatemala.
Two people were injured in Mexico, including a Haitian migrant who leapt from a building.
Guatemala’s Ministry of Education suspended in-person classes in four municipalities as a precaution.

History

Historical Context

The 19 September 1985 Mexico City quake, magnitude 8.0, killed about 10,000 people and revealed poor emergency response under President Miguel de la Madrid. The government then created the Civil Protection Committee and expanded the National Seismological Service, installing 1,200 seismometers and evacuation drills. Those reforms now back the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s alerts with Guatemala, lowering casualties after recent quakes.

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Mexico Issues Alert

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned hazardous waves up to one meter could affect coasts within 300 km of the epicenter.
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Chiapas, Mexico, with officials reporting no immediate casualties or major damage.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said protocols were activated and reported no issues in Chiapas or Tabasco.
Secretary of the Navy Raymundo Morales warned water could rise half a meter, urging avoidance.

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