A powerful earthquake has struck off in the Pacific off the southern coast of Mexico, reportedly killing at least two and triggering a tsunami threatening several countries. The temblor, initially estimated at magnitude 8.0 but now rated 8.2, occurred off the coast of Chiapas about 10 minutes before midnight local time, NOAA’s National Weather Service said Friday. A tsunami warning has been issued for Mexico, where a wave as large as 0.7 meters in height has already been confirmed. Also at risk, but from less hazardous waves, are Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Honduras. The shock from the temblor was felt in Mexico City, where tremors rattled buildings for up to a mintue, the BBC reported. At least two people have died in the state of Chiapas, Reuters reported, citing the Mexican interior minister. There is currently no tsunami threat to Hawaii, Guam or American Samoa, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said on Twitter.
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