Mexico earthquake triggers ‘desert tsunami’ 1,500 miles away in Death Valley cave Published duration 27 August 2017
image copyright Reuters image caption A tsunami of sand dunes could be unleashed by a earthquake along the coast
The world’s most powerful earthquake has struck the Pacific coast of Mexico, causing tsunami warnings to be issued across a vast area.
It triggered a “desert tsunami” that could reach 1,500 miles (2,400 km) away, across the US-Mexico border.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was a low chance of generating a tsunami in the region.
However, a spokesman for the National Volcanic Centre in Mexico said there would be a tsunami and flooding in the area.
US President Donald Trump called the quake a “once-in-a-lifetime event”.
The US Geological Survey said the quake’s epicentre, 6.4 Richter magnitude, was 20 miles (32 km) deep in the Pacific Ocean.
It was felt as far away as Chile, Argentina and Peru.
At least five aftershocks have been recorded, but there are many more still in the area, said the US Geological Survey.
Officials in Mexico say about 20 people were killed in the quake and the aftershocks.
image copyright Reuters image caption Damage was caused in Mexico City
The quake struck off the coast of the Mexican state of Puebla, about 80 miles (130 km) from the US border, at 10:26 local time (21:26 GMT) on Friday.
Mexico’s national volcanological centre said there were no immediate reports of damage in Mexico City, where tens of thousands of people were evacuated.
The country’s disaster minister, Bernardo Gonzalez, said it was a “very strong earthquake” that had shaken the capital for more than an hour.
He said there was no risk to anyone’s life or property. At least five people are reported to have died in other parts of Mexico.
Thousands are living in shelters or makeshift camps.
image copyright Reuters image caption Homes were left crushed or damaged in Mexico City
In US media reports, President Donald Trump made a statement from his club in Florida: “Mexico has many natural wonders but this is not one of them.
“I have ordered the withdrawal of all of our troops from Mexico
