http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/201...magnitude-8-tremor-rattles-buildings-capital/
Live
Mexico earthquake: Tsunami alert as magnitude 8.1 tremor shakes buildings in the capital
Picture on social media showed buildings were damaged in Chiapas state in Mexico Credit: Twitter/@justgonzo
Chris Graham
8 September 2017 • 7:30am
Magnitude 8.1 earthquake hits off Mexico
Tsunami warnings issued
Frightened Mexico City residents gather in streets
Blackouts in capital
Damage reported in Chiapas state
A very powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of Mexico, shaking buildings in the capital and sparking tsunami warnings.
The USGS said a magnitude 8.1 quake struck 123 km (76 miles) southwest of the town of Pijijiapan, at a depth of 33 km (21 miles).
Widespread, hazardous tsunami waves were possible, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
A handout photo made available by the United States Geological Survey shows an intensity map showing the location of a 8.0 magnitude earthquake
A handout photo made available by the United States Geological Survey shows an intensity map showing the location of a 8.0 magnitude earthquake Credit: EPA
"Tsunami waves reaching more than three meters above the tide level are possible along the coasts of Mexico," it said, with lower waves in other countries.
Civil protection officials were checking for damage in Chiapas, but the quake was so powerful that frightened residents in Mexico City more than 650 miles away fled apartment buildings, often in their pajamas, and gathered in groups in the street.
Patients and doctors of a hospital of Mexico City wait outside after the earthquake
Patients and doctors of a hospital of Mexico City wait outside after the earthquake Credit: EPA
Around midnight buildings swayed strongly for more than minute, loosening light fixtures from ceilings. Helicopters crisscrossed the sky above Mexico City with spotlights. Some neighborhoods kept electricity while others remained in darkness.
More updates to follow.
Auto update
7:30AM
At least two dead
The government has said at least two people have died in southern Mexico, AFP reports.
Chiapas Gov. Manuel Velasco told television station Televisa the rooves of homes and a shopping centre had collapsed in San Cristobal.
"There are damages in hospitals that have lost energy. Homes, schools and hospitals have been affected."
7:27AM
Tsunumi reported
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed there is a tsunami, with the largest wave being 0.7 metres - or 2.3 feet.
7:20AM
Some damage at Mexico City airport
En el aeropuerto #AICM #CDMX tras #Sismo #SismoCDMX pic.twitter.com/eAUzDPhlPt
— BicIvan R-Evolución (@bicivan) September 8, 2017
7:15AM
Guatemala president calls for calm
In neighbouring Guatemala, President Jimmy Morales spoke on national television to call for calm while emergency crews checked for damage. Local radio in the Central American country reported one death, but it could not be confirmed.
"We have reports of some damage and the death of one person, even though we still don't have exact details," Morales said.
He said the possible death occurred in San Marcos state near the border with Mexico.
7:14AM
'The house moved like chewing gum'
Rodrigo Soberanes, who lives near San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, a poor largely indigenous state popular with tourists, described the moment the quake struck.
"The house moved like chewing gum and the light and internet went out momentarily."
Civil Defence in Chiapas said on its Twitter account that its personnel were in the streets aiding people and warned residents to prepare for aftershocks. But it made no immediate comment about damage.
7:10AM
Scenes in Mexico City
Live
Mexico earthquake: Tsunami alert as magnitude 8.1 tremor shakes buildings in the capital
Picture on social media showed buildings were damaged in Chiapas state in Mexico Credit: Twitter/@justgonzo
Chris Graham
8 September 2017 • 7:30am
Magnitude 8.1 earthquake hits off Mexico
Tsunami warnings issued
Frightened Mexico City residents gather in streets
Blackouts in capital
Damage reported in Chiapas state
A very powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of Mexico, shaking buildings in the capital and sparking tsunami warnings.
The USGS said a magnitude 8.1 quake struck 123 km (76 miles) southwest of the town of Pijijiapan, at a depth of 33 km (21 miles).
Widespread, hazardous tsunami waves were possible, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
A handout photo made available by the United States Geological Survey shows an intensity map showing the location of a 8.0 magnitude earthquake
A handout photo made available by the United States Geological Survey shows an intensity map showing the location of a 8.0 magnitude earthquake Credit: EPA
"Tsunami waves reaching more than three meters above the tide level are possible along the coasts of Mexico," it said, with lower waves in other countries.
Civil protection officials were checking for damage in Chiapas, but the quake was so powerful that frightened residents in Mexico City more than 650 miles away fled apartment buildings, often in their pajamas, and gathered in groups in the street.
Patients and doctors of a hospital of Mexico City wait outside after the earthquake
Patients and doctors of a hospital of Mexico City wait outside after the earthquake Credit: EPA
Around midnight buildings swayed strongly for more than minute, loosening light fixtures from ceilings. Helicopters crisscrossed the sky above Mexico City with spotlights. Some neighborhoods kept electricity while others remained in darkness.
More updates to follow.
Auto update
7:30AM
At least two dead
The government has said at least two people have died in southern Mexico, AFP reports.
Chiapas Gov. Manuel Velasco told television station Televisa the rooves of homes and a shopping centre had collapsed in San Cristobal.
"There are damages in hospitals that have lost energy. Homes, schools and hospitals have been affected."
7:27AM
Tsunumi reported
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has confirmed there is a tsunami, with the largest wave being 0.7 metres - or 2.3 feet.
7:20AM
Some damage at Mexico City airport
En el aeropuerto #AICM #CDMX tras #Sismo #SismoCDMX pic.twitter.com/eAUzDPhlPt
— BicIvan R-Evolución (@bicivan) September 8, 2017
7:15AM
Guatemala president calls for calm
In neighbouring Guatemala, President Jimmy Morales spoke on national television to call for calm while emergency crews checked for damage. Local radio in the Central American country reported one death, but it could not be confirmed.
"We have reports of some damage and the death of one person, even though we still don't have exact details," Morales said.
He said the possible death occurred in San Marcos state near the border with Mexico.
7:14AM
'The house moved like chewing gum'
Rodrigo Soberanes, who lives near San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, a poor largely indigenous state popular with tourists, described the moment the quake struck.
"The house moved like chewing gum and the light and internet went out momentarily."
Civil Defence in Chiapas said on its Twitter account that its personnel were in the streets aiding people and warned residents to prepare for aftershocks. But it made no immediate comment about damage.
7:10AM
Scenes in Mexico City
