Mexico City, July 17 (QNA) – A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico’s southern state of Chiapas on Friday, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific coastline.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck near the city of Puerto Madero at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), making it more likely to be strongly felt in nearby areas.
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System warned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible along coastlines within 300km (186 miles) of the epicenter.
The tremor was also felt in neighboring Guatemala, where many people evacuated buildings and gathered in the streets during the morning rush hour. Residents in Mexico City reported feeling the shaking, although the capital’s seismic early warning system was not activated.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Mexico is one of the world’s most seismically active countries because it lies at the convergence of five tectonic plates along the Pacific coast. (QNA)