Series of earthquakes shakes southern Mexico, largest 7.4 on July 17

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas, on July 17, 2026, at 08:48 local time, followed by hundreds of aftershocks and a swarm of smaller quakes in subsequent days. The quake was felt across southern Mexico and Guatemala, but no fatalities were reported. However, damage assessments vary significantly between sources.

The major earthquake

The earthquake, the strongest in the region in years, was generated by subduction of the Cocos plate beneath the Caribbean plate Source: El Nacional. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum initially reported no damage, but later reports indicated:

• 400 homes damaged, 22 uninhabitable, and 1 collapsed (Excelsior).
• 36 homes damaged, 7 schools, and 11 health facilities affected (La Jornada).
• In Guatemala, 58 emergencies, 14 schools, and 12 public buildings damaged (Listín Diario).

Aftershocks and subsequent activity

The SSN recorded 289 aftershocks by the morning of July 18, with the largest at magnitude 6.5 Source: Milenio. Another source reported 137 aftershocks in the first eight hours Source: El Nacional. The swarm continued with smaller quakes: a 3.9 near Puebla on July 22, a 4.4 near Cd Hidalgo on July 23, a 4.3 near Huixtla on July 24, and four quakes (up to 4.4) on July 26. None triggered the seismic alarm due to their low magnitude Source: Heraldo de México.

Response and discrepancies

Authorities in Mexico launched patrols and maintained alerts. The IMSS reported normal operations Source: Excelsior. Disagreements in damage figures likely reflect evolving assessments. Guatemala's Conred activated an orange alert, emphasizing caution against rumors Source: Listín Diario.