A magnitude 7.4 (7.4m) Earthquake recently occurred at 15:29 UTC

12 km SSW of Santa María Zapotitlán, Mexico

The earthquake sent waves throughout southern Mexico and was felt a few hundred miles from the epicenter. The epicenter occurred near the urban area of Oaxaca, where some more significant damage has been reported. Communications with Oaxaca are limited at present due to damaged infrastructure. The earthquake is a result of reverse / thrust faulting due to subduction of the Pacific plate under American plate material.

Image: ground shaking intensity map (Credit: US Geological Survey), showing low levels of shaking (capable of being detected by people) spreading throughout central Mexico. It is yet unconfirmed just how severe the damage is in the worst affected areas, however reports should arrive in the coming hours.