Tsunami warning Issued, after powerful earthquake strikes southern mexico

Tsunami warning Issued, after powerful earthquake strikes southern mexico - Photo: Reuters

At-least five deaths reported so far ; U.S. Geological Survey says earthquake had a magnitude of 8.1.

MEXICO CITY—A massive  and powerful earthquake hit off the coast of southern Mexico. As a result houses in Chiapas state toppled which caused at least five deaths. US Geological Department issues a tsunami warning.

The earth quake frightened residents in Mexico City and its shock were spread more than 650 miles away. Most of people fled out from apartments and building and gathered in groups in streets.

Buildings swayed strongly for more than a minute. Which causes damage  to building walls and ceilings. Helicopters crisscrossed the sky above Mexico City with spotlights. Some neighborhoods had electricity while others remained in darkness.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake had a magnitude of 8.1, upgraded from an earlier 8.0. Earth quake epicenter was 102 miles west of Tapachula in southern Chiapas state, not far from Guatemala. It had a depth of about 43 miles. The quake struck at 11:49 p.m. Thursday night.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System said hazardous tsunami waves were possible on the Pacific coasts of several Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras, within three hours. There was no tsunami threat for the U.S. West Coast, but the warning system said waves could reach Mexico and as far as Ecuador.

It warned that tsunami waves reaching higher than 9.8 feet above the tide level were possible along some parts of Mexico’s coast. The warning system said tsunami waves have been observed after the earthquake off Mexico’s west coast.

Social Media users looks frightened earth quake and tsunami warning. Many users shared their feelings at twitter in following way

 

https://twitter.com/mmpadellan/status/906028659533688832

 

Some users also tweeted to protect the nature and environment.