Major 7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of Mexico sparking tsunami warning

A major 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico on Friday, triggering a tsunami threat for around one million people.

The seismic activity struck near the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, which sits along a 25,000-mile horseshoe-shaped belt around the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75 percent of Earth’s active and dormant volcanoes and produces roughly 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes.

A tsunami threat was issued shortly after the earthquake struck at 10.48am ET, warning that the seismic event could generate dangerous waves capable of inundating nearby coastlines. 

People living in coastal areas are told to prepare for potential flooding, strong ocean currents or massive waves.

The National Tsunami Warning Center noted that there is no tsunami danger for the US West Coast, British Columbia or Alaska.

Sirens were heard blaring through Chiapas as people stood outside, reeling from what had just occurred.

Experts warned that shaking intensity can vary depending on local terrain and the type of buildings in the area, but shallow earthquakes are often felt across a much wider region. They also cautioned that aftershocks are likely in the hours and days ahead.

The earthquake-prone region has experienced 22 quakes over the past 30 days, making this the strongest recorded during that period.

Sirens were heard blaring through Chiapas as people stood outside, reeling from what had just occurred

Locals in the area are being told to drop, cover and hold on if indoors, and then check on neighbors to ensure they are safe. 

Eyewitnesses told Reuters news agency that in Guatemala, ‘buildings shook.’ 

In Mexico City, more than 500 miles away from the epicenter, people felt their homes shake and saw lights blinking. 

This is a developing story… More updates to come.