A strong earthquake rattled southern Mexico on Thursday, sending shockwaves across the region and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for coastal areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the tremor at a magnitude of 7.4 before revising it slightly downward to 7.3. The epicenter was located offshore near Puerto Madero in the state of Chiapas, at a relatively shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, which amplified its intensity on the surface.

Residents in nearby communities described the shaking as starting mildly before building into a more forceful jolt that prompted quick evacuations.

In the border city of Tapachula, one hospital worker recounted being on the second floor of a building when the tremors intensified, leading staff and others to head downstairs and gather safely in an open courtyard. Similar scenes unfolded in the town of Suchiate, where local officials began monitoring coastal zones along the river dividing Mexico and Guatemala for any potential wave activity.

The quake’s effects extended beyond Mexico’s borders. Witnesses in Guatemala City reported buildings swaying enough to send people rushing into the streets, while local media captured images of government employees evacuating offices as a precaution.

The tremors were also perceptible in parts of El Salvador, highlighting the broad reach of this major seismic event along the Central American coast.

In response to the shaking, Mexican officials moved swiftly to assess the situation and reassure the public. The governor of Oaxaca, a neighboring state, encouraged residents to stay calm, noting that while the earthquake was felt with moderate strength, initial reports indicated no widespread or serious structural damage.

Mexico’s Secretary of the Navy, Raymundo Morales, addressed the tsunami risk directly during a press briefing, stating that any rise in sea levels was expected to be minimal—no more than about half a meter—and that there was no anticipated major maritime disruption. He nevertheless advised people to steer clear of beaches as a safety measure.

Despite these reassurances, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System kept its advisory in place, cautioning that waves between 0.3 and 1 meter above normal tide levels could affect vulnerable stretches of coastline in both Mexico and Guatemala.

Authorities emphasized vigilance in low-lying coastal areas even as the immediate threat appeared contained.

This earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic volatility in the region, which sits along active tectonic boundaries.

As more details emerge from affected communities, officials continue to monitor for aftershocks and any secondary impacts. For now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety while assessing the full scope of what could have been a far more destructive event.