A powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Guatemala on Friday, triggering a tsunami alert for dangerous waves across a wide coastal area.

The tremor's epicentre was located off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, at an approximate depth of 15 kilometres. The alert from the US Tsunami Warning System warned of potentially dangerous waves within a 300-kilometre radius of the epicentre.

Residents across southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador reported feeling the significant shaking. In some areas, people evacuated buildings as a precautionary measure.

Despite the quake's strength, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties in any of the affected countries, according to initial assessments.

Tsunami Alert Prompts Regional Vigilance

The tsunami alert remains active for coastal areas. Authorities in Mexico and Guatemala are monitoring sea levels and advising residents in vulnerable zones to stay informed.

The region lies within the seismically active 'Ring of Fire', a zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates. Such powerful tremors are not uncommon in this part of Central America.

Emergency services are assessing the situation along the coastlines as the tsunami alert continues, urging caution among communities.