International desk: The governor of the Mexican state of Chiapas says that at least five people have been killed in his region in a massive earthquake that hit off the country's coast.
Gov. Manuel Velasco told Milenio TV that the deaths occurred in San Cristobal de las Casas.
He also said that the quake damaged hospitals and schools.
A 8.1-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of southern Mexico, toppling houses in Chiapas state, causing buildings to sway violently as far away as the country's distant capital and setting off a tsunami warning.
A powerful earthquake is shaking Mexico's capital city, causing people to flee swaying buildings and knocking out lights to part of the city.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake had a magnitude of 8.0 and its epicenter was 165 kilometers (102 miles) west of Tapachula in southern Chiapas state. It had a depth of 35 kilometers.
Even in distant Mexico City the quake was felt so strongly that frightened residents gathered in the streets in the dark, fearing buildings would collapse.
Source: AP
