Magnitude-7.1 Earthquake Shakes Southern Mexico

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(MEXICO CITY) — A magnitude-7.1 earthquake on the Pacific Coast has jolted a wide area of southern Mexico and Central America.

At least 2 people have been killed after a powerful 7.1-magnitude quake struck the southern Mexican state of Chiapas and neighboring Guatemala.

The earthquake struck 14km offshore from the city of Mazatan in Mexico, but strong tremors were felt across the border in Guatemala. Significant damages were reported in the region of San Marcos in Guatemala where the quake damaged buildings and triggered landslides.

"This quake was pretty strong. There are houses destroyed," Luis Rivera, governor of the San Marcos region, told Reuters. A spokesperson from the local emergency services said two people had been reported dead in the area.

Mexicans and Guatemalans alike voiced their reaction to the earthquake on Twitter, with some people claiming the quake was felt as far south as El Salvador.

Mexico is located atop three large tectonic plates and is one of the world's most seismically-active regions. The last powerful quake struck the region in May, 303km from the popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta.

The country has a long history of destructive earthquakes. In 1985, more than 9,500 people were killed in Mexico City after an 8.1 earthquake hit the region.

[readon1 url="http://rt.com/news/170932-mexico-quake-tsunami-jolt/"]Source:rt.com[/readon1]