A strong earthquake of magnitude 8.1 has struck in the Pacific off the southern coast of Mexico, killing at least five people. The United States Geological Survey said, the epicentre was about 87 kms south-west of the town of Pijijiapan and at a depth of 70 kms.
A tsunami warning has been issued for Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras. The quake was felt in Mexico City, with people running into the street.
The tremors there were reported to have lasted up to a minute. Two deaths were reported in Mexico’s Chiapas state, closer to the epicentre, and two more in Tabasco state. Guatemala’s President also reported at least one death in his country. Damage is reported to buildings in southern Mexico and in Guatemala. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted that he is in contact with the country’s centre for disaster prevention.
