Strong quake hits Mexico, Guatemala; 2 dead

A magnitude-7.1 earthquake on the Pacific Coast jolted a wide area of southern Mexico and Central America. At least two people were reported dead in Guatemala.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit at 6.23 am (11.23 GMT) on the Pacific Coast 8 kilometres northeast of Puerto Madero, near the Guatemala border.

Fire brigade spokesman Raul Hernandez said at least two people were killed in the Guatemalan town of San Marcos. In Mexico, local news media reported the quake was felt strongly in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The quake was centered 92.2 kilometres below the surface.