Mexico Earthquake: 6.2-Magnitude Quake Hits Off Country’s Southern Coast

The US Geological Survey is reporting that a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the southern Mexican state of Chiapas Saturday, shattering windows and sending frightened residents into the streets.

According to the USGS, the quake struck at 12:47 p.m. local time (1:47 p.m. EST; 18:47 GMT), at a depth of 41.1 miles and was felt as far away as San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.

The U.S. Geological Survey added that the epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean about 35 miles southwest of the city of Mapastepec, on the coast near the border with Guatemala.

While the temblor — which the Washington Post reports “felt like waves” in Chiapas’ capital Tuxtla Gutierrez — caused local residents to panic, Jose Manuel Aragon, spokesman for the state Civil Protection agency, said there were no immediate reports of injury.

Mexico lies on the so-called Pacific Rim of Fire, where continental plates meet, and is regularly shaken by earthquakes.

For all of you seismology geeks out there, here is a clip on the Chiapas earthquake courtesy of MrHurricane Tracker.

via USGS