Strong quake hits Mexican coast

MEXICO CITY:

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Mexico's southern state of Chiapas on Friday, triggering a tsunami warning and shaking buildings in neighbouring Guatemala and El Salvador. No damage was immediately reported by authorities.

The quake struck near the Mexican town of Puerto Madero at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles), the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

Following the tremor, the US Tsunami Warning System warned that hazardous tsunami waves were possible along coasts within 300 km (186 miles) of the epicentre.

In Guatemala City, the earthquake shook buildings and prompted some residents to rush out of their homes onto the streets, according to a Reuters witness.