Magnitude 8 earthquake hits Mexico

A strong earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale jolted Mexico, near the border with Guatemala on Friday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

A tsunami warning has immediately issued after the quake struck off the Pacific Coast 120 km southwest of Tres Picos, Mexico, which is 1,000 km southeast of Mexico City, reports CNN.

The Centre advised the public that tsunami waves could hit within three hours off the coasts of Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and even Ecuador.

The temblor was felt as far Guatemala City and had a depth of 33 km, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

It was a particularly shallow quake, according to Jana Pursely, a geophysicists at the USGS.

"The shaking along the coast of Chiapas state, next to the border with Guatemala, at this point is estimated to be very strong to severe," Pursely told CNN.

"I would expect damage along the coast of Chiapas."

Pursely said these types of shallow earthquakes with long shaking have the potential to be very dangerous. She also said there will likely be aftershocks.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto tweeted: "Civil protection protocols are activated, including the National Emergency Committee."

CNN attempted to contact two seaside hotels in Chiapas but the lines appeared to be down.

Parts of Mexico City are without power, Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera confirmed.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damages.

Mexico is currently also being threatened on its eastern coast by Hurricane Katia, reports BBC.

The category 1 hurricane is about 300 km south-east of Tampico and has sustained winds of 140km/h. according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

--IANS

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