Big Earthquake Shakes Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador: What Happened?

On Friday, a powerful earthquake (we call it a "sismo" in Spanish) hit southern Mexico and was strongly felt in nearby Guatemala and El Salvador too. Let’s break it down like you’re 5 years old!

What Was the Earthquake Like?

• A magnitude 7.3 earthquake started in southern Mexico (the US Geological Survey, or USGS — a science team in the USA that watches the ground — said this).
• It was felt strongly in Guatemala and El Salvador, which are Mexico’s neighbor countries.
• The USGS said the earthquake’s epicenter (that’s the spot on the ground right above where it started underground) was 58 kilometers west-southwest of Puerto Madero, a town in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico.

Important: The earthquake was shallow — only 10 kilometers deep. When an earthquake is close to the surface like this, it feels stronger to people above!

How Strong Was It?

• The USGS called it "very strong" based on how intense it felt.
• Mexico’s own earthquake team (the National Seismological Service, or SSN) said it was magnitude 7.4 and happened at 8:48 a.m. local time (10:48 a.m. ET).
• The shaking was moderate to severe near the coast close to the epicenter.
• Cities to the east were protected by mountains that acted like a shield against the shaking.
• The strongest feelings were in areas near the epicenter in both Mexico and Guatemala.

What Happened in Mexico?

• Chiapas (a Mexican state):
  • Two people got hurt: one jumped from a third floor and is being helped at a hospital; another was hit by a falling door at a car dealership.
  • Gas leaks and ceiling tiles fell in two hotels.
  • Some walls fell, and there were small cracks and light damage to buildings.
• President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote that no damage was reported in Chiapas or Tabasco (another state where it was felt).
• Secretary of Navy Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles said there is "no problem" in the country, but beaches may rise up to half a meter in water level because of the quake. He told people to stay away from beaches for now.
• Mexico City (where quakes are usually felt) said everything is normal and the earthquake alert system did NOT need to turn on.

Tsunami Alerts (Big Sea Waves)

• Mexico’s Navy tsunami alert center turned on a tsunami alert (that means dangerous sea waves) for:
  • Southern Pacific coast of Mexico (Chiapas and Oaxaca)
  • Coastal areas of Guatemala
• They expected weird sea level changes up to 105 cm and strong currents at ports.
• The President said to stay away from those beaches for 6 hours because of tsunami risk.
• Guatemala’s science institute (INSIVUMEH) saw tsunami waves just over 30 cm near Chiapas, and guessed 30 cm waves would reach Guatemala’s Pacific coast.

Important: A tsunami is a giant wave in the ocean caused by the ground moving. Always listen when adults say stay away from the beach after a quake!

What Happened in Guatemala?

• INSIVUMEH said the quake was magnitude 7.4, starting 165 km from San Marcos (near the Chiapas border).
• It was felt "strong" in many areas: Chimaltenango, Escuintla, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, Retalhuleu, Sacatepéquez, San Marcos, Sololá, Suchitepéquez, and Totonicapán.
• President Bernardo Arévalo said: no deaths, and they are watching the situation minute by minute.
• The disaster team (Conred) evacuated schools and municipal buildings during aftershocks.
• Houses were damaged in Quetzaltenango.
• Reports of broken infrastructure, minor home damage in Santa María de Jesús, and falls/face damage in San Marcos.

What Happened in El Salvador?

• The Environment Ministry said there is no tsunami alert for them.
• Response teams were activated for emergencies.
• The Firefighters said: "no damage or incidents reported so far."

Aftershocks (The Ground Keeps Wiggling)

• Mexico’s SSN reported 60 aftershocks (smaller quakes after the big one) until 11 a.m. local time.
• The biggest aftershock was magnitude 6.5, about 30 minutes after the first quake.

Safety Tips from Protection Civil

If you are in a quake area, grown-ups say to:

1. Watch out for aftershocks.
2. Do NOT light matches or candles until you are sure there is no gas leak.
3. Use the phone only for emergencies.
4. Check your house for damage.

Important: Following these steps keeps you safe after the earth moves!

Summary

A big magnitude ~7.3–7.4 earthquake hit southern Mexico on Friday and shook Guatemala and El Salvador. It was shallow, so it felt strong, especially on the coast. Two people were injured in Chiapas, Guatemala had some house damage and evacuations but no deaths, and El Salvador was fine. Tsunami alerts were issued for parts of Mexico and Guatemala, and everyone was told to avoid beaches. Aftershocks followed, including a 6.5 one. Authorities ask people to stay calm and follow safety rules.

FAQ

Q: What is an epicenter?
A: It’s the point on the Earth’s surface directly above where the earthquake started underground — like the "bullseye" of the shake.

Q: Why was the quake so strong if it was only magnitude 7.3?
A: Because it was very shallow (only 10 km deep). Shallow quakes send more shake to the surface, like a drum hit close to your ear.

Q: What is a tsunami and why the worry?
A: A tsunami is a huge sea wave caused by the ground moving under the ocean. It can flood beaches, so people were told to leave the coast.

Q: Did anyone die in this earthquake?
A: No. Guatemala’s president confirmed no fatalities, and Mexico said no serious problems.

Q: What should I do if I feel an aftershock?
A: Stay calm, watch for more shakes, don’t use fire until gas is checked, and follow what local protection teams say.