El Arenal, Mexico – A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck offshore of southern Mexico on Friday afternoon, shaking part of the Pacific coast near Chiapas and Oaxaca. The quake occurred beneath the Gulf of Tehuantepec, approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) southwest of El Arenal, according to preliminary information.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at 16:15:58 UTC (11:15 a.m. CDT) at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The agency classified the event as a reviewed magnitude 5.2 earthquake, indicating analysts have examined the initial automated solution.
The epicenter was located offshore, away from major population centers, along one of the world’s most active seismic zones where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American Plate. Earthquakes of this magnitude are common in the region, though they can be felt across portions of southern Mexico depending on local geology and distance from the epicenter.
As of the latest available information, there were no immediate reports of significant damage, injuries, or tsunami warnings associated with the earthquake. Emergency management officials may continue assessing coastal communities for any impacts.
Residents who felt the shaking are encouraged to monitor updates from Mexican civil protection authorities and the USGS as additional information, including any aftershocks or revised seismic data, becomes available.
