Moderate Earthquake Strikes Off Chiapas Coast, Mexico

Moderate Tremor Recorded Off Chiapas Coast

A moderate magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, in the North Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The seismic event occurred at approximately 02:33 PM local time (GMT -6). Its epicenter was located approximately 96 kilometers southwest of Tapachula, Chiapas, at coordinates 14.460 degrees North latitude and -93.023 degrees West longitude. The earthquake had a relatively shallow depth of 23 kilometers.

Limited Impact Reported

Initial assessments indicate that the earthquake was not widely felt by the population, or at least no widespread reports of it being felt have emerged. While weak shaking might have been experienced in areas such as Huixtla, located about 97 kilometers northeast of the epicenter, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The moderate magnitude and offshore location likely contributed to the limited impact on populated areas.

Chiapas: A Seismically Active Region

The state of Chiapas is situated in a highly seismically active zone, making earthquakes a frequent occurrence. The region experiences a significant number of tremors annually, with an average of approximately 1,600 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater per year. Historically, Chiapas has recorded powerful seismic events, including a magnitude 8.2 earthquake on September 7, 2017, which was the strongest in the past decade for the area.

Monitoring and Alert Systems

Seismic activity in Mexico is continuously monitored by institutions such as the Mexican National Seismological Service (SSN), operated by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Mexico also utilizes the Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMEX), which provides early warnings for earthquakes to several central and southern Mexican cities. While SASMEX's network is expanding, monitoring capabilities in the western two-thirds of Chiapas are still under development.