Mexico earthquake: Tsunami triggered as magnitude 8.1 quake kills 32 and sparks warnings across Central America
Warnings issued in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras and Ecuador
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least 32 people have been killed after a magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck Mexico, causing a tsunami and warnings for countries across Central America.
The Governor of the Mexican state of Chiapas announced the first fatalities following the most powerful quake to hit the country since 1985, striking 119km south-southwest of Tres Picos.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said a tsunami had been triggered by the quake, with warnings issued for people in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras and Ecuador.
The centre warned waves could reach over ten feet along the Mexican shore near the epicentre of the quake.
Waves between 0.3 and one metre have been predicted for the Cook Islands, Ecuador, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guatemala and Kiritabi.
The centre forecast waves of 0.3 metres could reach Australia, Vietnam and Japan.
In the Philippines, the national disaster agency put the country's eastern seaboard on alert for a possible tsunami, Reuters reported.
The earthquake struck shortly after midnight off the coast of Mexico, leaving some buildings severely damaged in the south of the country.
The US Geological Survey estimates the earthquake, felt in Belize and Guatemala, occurred at a depth of 43 miles.
Mexico's civil protection agency said it was the strongest earthquake to hit the country since a devastating 1985 tremor that toppled buildings and killed thousands.
Manuel Velasco, the governor of Chiapas state, said the quake had destroyed homes and buildings and left some hospitals without power.
He has called for the evacuation of coastal areas in the southern state due to the tsunami alert.
The current Foreign Office travel advice says: “Most of Mexico is occasionally subject to earthquakes. Tremors occur regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments