According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake hit at 9:49 p.m. PST with a magnitude of 8.0 and its epicenter was 102 miles west of Tapachula in southern Chiapas state. It had a depth of 22 miles.
The US Tsunami Warning System said hazardous tsunami waves were possible on the Pacific coasts of several Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras, within the next several hours.
There was no tsunami threat for the US West Coast.
Civil Defense in Chiapas said on Twitter that its personnel were in the streets aiding people and warned residents to prepare for aftershocks.
According to AP, residents 650 miles away in Mexico City felt the quake. Buildings swayed, loosening light fixtures from ceilings and causing power outages in some parts of the region.
President Jimmy Morales spoke on national television to call for calm while emergency crews checked for damage.
"We have reports of some damage and the death of one person, even though we still don't have exact details," Morales said. He said the possible death occurred in San Marcos state near the border with Mexico.
PY/PR