Five killed as Mexico hit by strongest earthquake, tremor triggers Tsunami waves

Pijijiapan [Mexico], September 8 (ANI): A powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.2-magnitude hit the southern Mexico on Friday morning, killing at least five people, causing a Tsunami and warning for countries across the Central America.

Waves over 3 m are said to be expected for parts of the Mexican coast, while waves between 0.3 and 1 m could hit the Cook Islands, Ecuador, Fiji, rench Polynesia, Guatemala and Kiribati.

"The earthquake magnitude was 8.2, the strongest in a century in the country. The country's seismologic service initially gave a magnitude of 8.4, which if confirmed would be the most powerful ever recorded in this quake-prone country," the Telegraph quoted Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, as saying.

Initial waves recorded arriving on the coast at the Mexican cities of Salina Cruz, Puerto Madero and Huatulco were between 0.3 and 0.7 m over tide level, while waves below 0.3 m were forecast for countries as far as Australia, Japan and Vietnam.

"Based on all available data, widespread hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The risk of other places such as Hawaii, Guam and other Pacific islands is still being evaluated.

At least 61 aftershocks have been reported so far.

The earthquake hit as Mexico is facing the prospect of a hurricane hitting in a few days.

While on the other hand, hurricane Katrina has strengthened as it heads to the east coast of the country and is currently 185 miles east of Mexico.

Officials have confirmed that today's quake is the strongest to hit the country since a devastating 1985 tremor that toppled buildings and killed thousands. (ANI)