A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast near the Mexico-Guatemala border on Friday, shaking southern Mexico and parts of Central America, but authorities reported no major damage or fatalities.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck 48 kilometres (30 miles) southwest of Aquiles Serdán in Mexico's Chiapas state at a depth of 15 kilometres (9 miles).
The strong tremor was felt across a wide area, including Mexico City, Guatemala and El Salvador. It was preceded by a smaller offshore earthquake and followed by at least 10 aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 4.9 to 6.0, USGS said.
Authorities in Mexico reported two minor injuries but no significant structural damage.
In Tapachula, Chiapas' largest border city, residents evacuated buildings as the shaking intensified.
"We were upstairs on the second floor when it started shaking; we thought it would pass, but then it got stronger, so we all went downstairs and evacuated in an orderly manner to the front courtyard," hospital administrative employee Alejandra Mendoza told The Associated Press.
Two injured in Chiapas
Demetrio Martínez, head of Tapachula's Civil Protection agency, said a Haitian migrant woman in her 30s suffered fractures after jumping about four metres (13 feet) from an apartment building during the earthquake.
She was taken to hospital and her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Another person sustained minor injuries after being struck by broken glass from a shattered window at a nearby business, officials said.
Tremors felt across Central America
In Guatemala City, the prolonged shaking prompted many residents to flee buildings during the morning rush hour, while several offices and commercial buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Authorities in both Mexico and Guatemala continued monitoring the situation, with emergency response teams conducting inspections in affected areas.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of widespread damage, while authorities urged residents to remain alert due to the possibility of additional aftershocks.
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