By Editor | California Hoy
LOS CABOS — Local authorities in Los Cabos are urging residents and visitors to stay calm but remain cautious as a powerful 8.3-magnitude earthquake in the northern Pacific Ocean triggers concerns over strong rip currents and elevated surf along the Baja California Sur coastline.
The Municipal Civil Protection Office issued a statement Tuesday warning of a potential swell of up to one meter (about three feet) expected to reach the area’s shores by Wednesday, July 30. While officials confirmed that tsunami waves are not expected to reach dangerous levels—projected at less than 8 inches (20 cm) after 12:00 p.m.—they emphasized that strong ocean currents and "mar de fondo" (swell) could pose serious risks.
“The public should avoid entering the ocean, especially in open areas,” said Francisco Cota Márquez, director of Civil Protection for Los Cabos. “Even if the threat of a major tsunami has been ruled out, the surge and rip currents generated by this distant quake can be life-threatening.”
The U.S. Geological Survey and Mexico’s National Seismological Service reported the undersea earthquake struck more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia, at a moderate depth. Though far from Mexico, such large-scale seismic events in the Pacific can generate long-range swells that travel thousands of miles and impact coastal zones.
As of midnight on July 30, Civil Protection activated a “mar de fondo” alert, advising against swimming, shoreline fishing, or venturing out to sea in small boats. Authorities also urged the public to stay away from piers, rocky outcrops, and low-lying coastal areas where sudden surges could occur.
“Don’t be fooled by calm-looking waters,” Cota Márquez warned. “Powerful, invisible currents can pull even strong swimmers out to sea. This is not the time for beach activities.”
Emergency monitoring teams are working around the clock in coordination with federal agencies to track ocean behavior and provide timely updates. The municipal administration, led by Mayor Christian Agúndez, stressed that public safety remains the top priority.
“We’re closely monitoring the situation and keeping families informed,” Agúndez said in a statement. “Our teams are on high alert to ensure everyone in Los Cabos stays safe.”
Residents and tourists are encouraged to follow official updates through local government channels and avoid spreading unverified information or rumors. The alert will remain in effect until ocean conditions stabilize and authorities confirm the all-clear.
For now, officials say, the best move is to stay informed, stay cautious, and stay out of the water.
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