By Gabe Whisnant and John FengShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck early Wednesday off the southern coast of Mexico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, according to preliminary information from seismic authorities.
Map Shows Location of Earthquake off Mexico's Southern Coast
Where Was the Epicenter of the Earthquake?
The magnitude 4.7 earthquake was centered about 50 miles south-southwest of La Esperanza in El Zapotal, Mexico, according to preliminary data from seismic monitors. The offshore location placed the epicenter beneath the Pacific waters.
Southern Mexico sits along one of the world’s most active seismic zones, where the Cocos Plate is steadily subducting beneath the North American Plate. This collision creates frequent earthquakes along the Middle America Trench, an offshore fault system that runs parallel to the Pacific coast. The region routinely experiences moderate to strong quakes as pressure builds and releases along this boundary. States such as Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Guerrero — including areas near El Zapotal — are especially prone to seismic activity because of this constant tectonic interaction.
What Is the Epicenter of an Earthquake?
The epicenter of an earthquake is the point on the Earth’s surface located directly above where the quake begins deep underground. That underground starting point is known as the hypocenter or focus. While the quake’s energy radiates outward from the focus, the epicenter is often used to describe the location of the strongest shaking felt on the surface.
What Causes an Earthquake?
Most earthquakes are caused by the sudden movement of tectonic plates—massive slabs of the Earth’s crust that constantly shift against one another. Stress builds up along faults where the plates meet until it is released in a burst of energy, producing seismic waves that shake the ground. Other less common causes include volcanic activity, human-induced mining or drilling, and large landslides.
Updates: 12/3/25, 11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with new information.
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