Social media abuzz with viral Mexico earthquake videos after powerful 7.3 magnitude quake triggers tsunami warning

Social media was flooded with dramatic videos on Friday after a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico, sending residents rushing outdoors and prompting tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific coastline. Several clips shared online showed buildings swaying, people evacuating homes and offices, and objects shaking violently as the tremor was felt across southern Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

The viral footage quickly spread across X and Instagram as users shared their experiences from the affected regions.

According to the BBC and PTI, there have been no reports of fatalities or major damage in Mexico or Guatemala so far, despite the strength of the quake. Authorities, however, have urged residents to remain cautious as multiple aftershocks continue to rattle the region.

Where did the earthquake strike and what happened next?

The earthquake struck at 08:49 local time (14:49 GMT) near the fishing town of Puerto Madero on Mexico's Pacific coast. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake occurred at a depth of 15.2 kilometres.

Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning that hazardous tsunami waves between 0.3 and one metre above normal tide levels could affect parts of the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Guatemala.

Mexico's Navy Secretary, Admiral Raymundo Morales, said there had been "no serious impact" from the earthquake at the time of the briefing. However, officials advised residents and visitors to avoid beaches until further notice as a precaution.

What have officials in Mexico and neighbouring countries said?

Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara Cruz said the earthquake was felt with moderate intensity across the state, adding that no significant damage had been reported.

In neighbouring Chiapas, Governor Eduardo Ramírez said there had also been no serious impact. However, he instructed government departments to suspend administrative activities and encouraged private businesses to do the same while authorities continued safety assessments.

The tremor was also felt across Guatemala and El Salvador, where buildings shook and people evacuated homes and workplaces, according to Reuters.

Guatemala's President Bernardo Arévalo said emergency response teams had been deployed after a separate magnitude 5.6 earthquake centred near Quetzaltenango. He confirmed that no fatalities had been recorded and urged citizens to remain calm and follow official guidance.

Why are tsunami warnings still in place?

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which operates the tsunami warning system, said smaller tsunami waves of less than 0.3 metres above tide level could also reach the coasts of El Salvador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Honduras.

The agency explained that tsunamis consist of multiple waves that can continue for several hours, with intervals between waves ranging from five minutes to an hour. It warned that people caught in the water could face serious risks from strong currents and floating debris.

Authorities continue to monitor the coastline while emergency agencies remain on alert. Residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been advised to stay informed through official updates and follow instructions issued by local authorities.