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Tsunami warning issued as earthquake strikes off Mexico’s Pacific coast
A tsunami warning has been issued after the 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck, killing 5 people
A magnitude 8.1 earthquake has struck off the coast of mexico leaving 5 dead and triggering a tsunami warning (Photo: REUTERS/Imelda Medina)
Five people have died after an 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck off southern Mexico in the Pacific.
The epicentre of the earthquake was at about 87km south-west of the town of Pijijiapan, at a depth of 70Km, according to the US Geological Survey.
Tsunami warnings have been issued for Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras.
Four deaths were reported in Mexico, with another one being reported in Guatemala.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, tsunami waves more than three metres above the tide level were possible along the coasts of Mexico, with an evacuation having been ordered in the state of Chiapas.
It was also reported that more than 10 aftershocks ranging from 4.3 to 5.7 in magnitude followed the earthquake, which lasted up to a minute.
Mexico is currently also being threatened on its eastern coast by Hurricane Katia – a category one hurricane currently some 300Km south-east of Tampico.
