Southwest Mexico hit by powerful earthquake

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest of Mexico late Tuesday, causing widespread shaking and killing at least one person.

The United States Geological Survey says the powerful quake struck about eight miles from the Pacific Coast beach resort city of Acapulco. It was measured at an initial depth of 7.8 miles (12.6 kilometres) and at least 92 aftershocks were recorded, including one with a magnitude of 5.2 according to the Mexican State Civil Protection Secretariat.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initially issued a tsunami warning, but it was later called off.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says no “significant damage” occurred, but authorities had received reports of falling rocks and around 1.6 million are without electricity.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Mexico due of its location at the edge of the North American tectonic plate.

Two major quakes struck the country in September 2017, with magnitudes 8.1 and 7.1.

In September 1985, an 8.0 magnitude quake killed around 9500 in and around Mexico City, spurring changes in building codes and greater protections against earthquakes.

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