Mexico - An earthquake of magnitude 8 struck off the southern coast of Mexico late on Thursday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, shaking buildings in the capital city.
People in Mexico City ran out into the streets after the quake struck, a Reuters witness said.
Widespread, hazardous tsunami waves were possible, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
There were no immediate reports of major damage.
The Angel of Independence in Mexico City shaken by mag 8 earthquake tonight 🙏🏻🇲🇽 #CDMX #temblor pic.twitter.com/zsPwY8aNre
— Jay Z(amora) (@Jay_MCMLXXXIX) September 8, 2017
#Temblor #Sismo HORRIBLE!! 😭 pic.twitter.com/H179rJRhr3
— D i e g o ♛ (@SalgadoDL) September 8, 2017
😱⁉️ Así se sintió el #Temblor en el Segundo Piso del Periférico en la #CDMX⚠️ | #TenemosSismo #Terremoto¡Seguimos informando Joaquín! pic.twitter.com/UmUtWAhoKW
— Efrain Salinas (@Efrain_Salinas) September 8, 2017
Mexico's civil protection agency said it was the strongest earthquake to hit the country since a devastating 1985 tremor that toppled buildings and killed thousands.
People in Mexico City ran out into the streets in pyjamas and alarms sounded after the quake struck just before midnight, a Reuters witness said. Power went out in some neighbourhoods.
"I had never been anywhere where the earth moved so much. At first I laughed, but when the lights went out I didn't know what to do. I nearly fell over," said Luis Carlos Briceno, an architect, 31, who was visiting Mexico City.
The epicentre was 123 km (76 miles) southwest of the town of Pijijiapan, at a depth of 33 km (21 miles).