Tsunami alert after quake rocks Mexico

A MASSIVE 8.1-magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of southern Mexico, toppling houses in Chiapas state, causing at least two deaths and triggering a tsunami warning.

The quake was so strong that it caused buildings to sway violently in Mexico’s capital, more than 650 miles away. Residents fled buildings and gathered in frightened groups i n the street. Some neighbourhoods remained in darkness after electricity was knocked out.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at 11.49pm local time yesterday and its epicentre was 102 miles west of Tapachula in Chiapas, close to Guatemala. It had a depth of 22 miles.

The US Tsunami Warning System said hazardous 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.

“The house moved like chewing gum and the internet went out momentarily,” said Rodrigo Soberanes, who lives near San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, a poor, largely indigenous state popular with tourists.

Chiapas governor Manuel Velasco said two women died on San Cristobal when a house and a wall collapsed. He urged people living near the coast to leave their homes as a protective measure. QUIZ ANSWERS: 1. Asia. 2. Digitalis. 3. Black Sea. 4. Skye Terrier. 5. Carmen. 6. 12. Missing link: GLOBE.