⚠ TSUNAMI UPDATE (9:45 AM, Jul 17): PTWC Tsunami Message #2 (issued 9:36 AM local) forecasts possible tsunami waves of 0.3–1 m above tide level for parts of Guatemala’s Pacific coast. First-wave arrival estimates: Ocós ~9:35 AM, Tiquisate/Sipacate ~9:45 AM, Monterrico ~9:48 AM, Champerico ~9:50 AM, Puerto San José ~9:57 AM. A tsunami is a series of waves over hours — the first is not always the largest. Stay off beaches and out of the ocean on the Pacific coast and follow CONRED instructions (1566); CONRED sets the official local alert level.
UPDATE (9:35 AM): USGS revised the magnitude to M7.3 (Mww, reviewed), epicenter 48 km SW of Aquiles Serdán on the Chiapas coast just across the Guatemala border — a major, shallow offshore earthquake felt strongly across much of Guatemala. A M4.7 foreshock struck the same zone at 7:20 AM; a M5.3 aftershock followed at 9:14 AM. Expect more aftershocks.
Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake — 48 km SW of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico
A magnitude 7.3 earthquake was recorded 48 km SW of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico on 2026-07-17 08:48 Guatemala time.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 7.3 (MWW) — revised from preliminary M7.4 |
| Location | 48 km SW of Aquiles Serdán, Mexico (offshore Chiapas, near the Guatemala border) |
| Time (Guatemala) | 2026-07-17 08:48 |
| Depth | 15.2 km |
| Nearest City | Tecun Uman (~82 km) |
| Coordinates | 14.6913, -92.8855 |
| Intensity | Major — Serious damage possible over large areas |
| Tsunami Risk | Yes — PTWC forecasts waves of 0.3–1 m possible for parts of Guatemala’s Pacific coast (Message #2, 9:36 AM local). Follow CONRED (1566) |
Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
What to Do
This is a significant earthquake. If you felt shaking, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and trees. Check for structural damage before re-entering buildings.
- CONRED hotline: 1566 (Guatemala emergency services)
- Follow updates: @ConaboraCONRED on social media
- Report it: Did You Feel It? (USGS)
Guatemala Seismic Context
Guatemala sits on the boundary of the Caribbean, Cocos, and North American tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active countries in Central America. The Motagua and Polochic fault systems run through the country, and the Middle America Trench off the Pacific coast generates regular subduction earthquakes.
On average, Guatemala experiences several M4+ earthquakes per month. Major destructive earthquakes (M7+) occur roughly every 20-30 years.
Check our safety guide for earthquake preparedness tips, and view recent seismic activity on the Guatemala map.
This article was auto-generated from USGS real-time earthquake data and updated after USGS review. Last updated: 2026-07-17 09:35 Guatemala time.
