A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast on Friday, triggering a tsunami warning and sending residents rushing into the streets in parts of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.
According to Reuters, the earthquake struck near the town of Puerto Madero in Mexico’s Chiapas state at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued an alert shortly after the quake, warning that hazardous tsunami waves could affect coastlines within 300 kilometres (186 miles) of the epicentre.
There were no immediate reports of deaths or significant damage.
In Guatemala City, the strong tremor shook buildings and forced many residents to evacuate their homes as a precaution. Reuters witnesses said people gathered in the streets while emergency protocols were activated. Local television footage showed government workers leaving office buildings during the evacuation.
The earthquake was also felt across neighbouring El Salvador, according to Reuters witnesses.
In Mexico, Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara said the tremor was felt with moderate intensity in the state capital. He said authorities had not received reports of major damage but were continuing to assess the situation.
Emergency officials in the affected areas are monitoring the aftermath of the quake as inspections continue and authorities assess the risk of any tsunami impact along the Pacific coastline.
