World

Magnitude 7.4 quake hits Mexican coast near Guatemala

By AAP Newswire

Jul 18, 2026

Guatemala coast — US authorities say tsunami waves are possible along coasts within 300km of a quake epicentre. -AP

A ‌powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck near ‌the coast of Mexico's ‌southern state of Chiapas, triggering a tsunami warning and shaking buildings in neighbouring ‌Guatemala ‌and ⁠El Salvador.

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No damage was immediately reported by authorities.

The quake, which struck near the Mexican city of Puerto Madero, was at a shallow depth of ⁠10km, the US Geological Survey said.

Following the tremor, the US Tsunami Warning System warned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible along coasts located within 300km of the epicentre.

In Guatemala City, the earthquake shook buildings and prompted ⁠some residents to dash ‌from their homes on to the street, according to a Reuters witness.

Local media in Guatemala showed footage of staff leaving a government building as security protocols were activated.

The tremor was also felt in El Salvador, another Reuters witness said.

In the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, ‌Governor Salomon Jara said on social media that the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity in the state's capital but no serious damage was immediately reported.