Tsunami Warning: 8.4 Earthquake Hits Mexico – Strange Lights Reported

Mexico and surrounding countries have been issued with a tsunami warning following an 8.4-magnitude earthquake that hit Chiapas on Friday.

According to the US Tsunami Warning System, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, and Costa Rica are at risk from hazardous tsunami waves.

BREAKING: Sea has begun to retreat in #Mexico.#mexicoearthquake TSUNAMI pic.twitter.com/1igJZfXxTM

— BNL (@BreakingNLive) September 8, 2017

This is the strongest earthquake to strike Mexico since the 1985 quake that killed thousands of people in Mexico City and caused serious damage.

Tsunami waves could reach Santa Cruz, Mexico as early as 5:40 UTC/1:40 EDT/About 30 minutes from now pic.twitter.com/S9l6fJjQj1

— ☀️Kyle Underwood☀️ (@wx8) September 8, 2017

The PTWC issued a warning, saying that “Tsunami waves reaching more than 3 meters above the tide level are possible along some coasts of Mexico,” and waves reaching up to one meter are expected to hit the coastlines of nearby countries.

“Persons located in threatened coastal areas should stay alert for information and follow instructions from national and local authorities,” the PTWC said.

BREAKING NEWS: Sea in #Chiapas, Mexico has retreated as Tsunami is underway. pic.twitter.com/CVB5m3ehLh

— BNL (@BreakingNLive) September 8, 2017

According to reports, up to eight hours before the earthquake struck, bright lights were seen in the sky.

bright lights showing up during an earthquake and articles being written 7 hours before said earthquake.. what is going on #temblor pic.twitter.com/68K3ipTF3G

— Jack Lanser (@JackLanser) September 8, 2017

Rt.com reports:

Photos have emerged online showing the impact of the earthquake in Chiapas, including damage to buildings, roads, and local infrastructure.

Palacio Municipal de San Cristobal de Las Casas, afectado por sismo de 8.1. #Chiapas pic.twitter.com/yvPEGq1X9A

— Centro Tlaxcala (@Centro_Tlax) September 8, 2017

Camino al Jobo en Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, hay piedras en la carretera producto de deslave por sismo de 8.0 Richter en Tonalá. pic.twitter.com/Mgu2i7WuFD

— Andrés Dominguez (@andresreportero) September 8, 2017

People in Mexico City flocked to the streets after the quake struck, an eyewitness told Reuters.

Tremors in Mexico City caused the Angel of Independence historical landmark to swing for several minutes.

#Sismo #CDMX Más del "Ángel de la Independencia" pic.twitter.com/NCrnL2oUBY

— Rubén Luengas (@rubengluengas) September 8, 2017

An eyewitness uploaded dazzling footage of earthquake lights that appeared in the skies over Mexico City shortly after the quake.

"Earthquake Lights" appear over as 8.1 #EarthQuake rocks #MexicoCity
Stay safe to our friends South of the borderhttps://t.co/W99zDXZBNy

— Space Force Captain Joe (@US_Citizen_Joe) September 8, 2017

A shopping mall in the Mexican capital nearly collapsed following the tremors.

#Earthquake 8.4

pic.twitter.com/q9NkkgjmsF

— SecureIn (@SecureInCanada) September 8, 2017

The shockwaves also affected Chiapas International Airport.

#BREAKING: Damage reported at airport in #Chiapas, #Mexico following 8.4 magnitude earthquake. pic.twitter.com/TH6thLxxg9

— Breaking News (@BreakingNGlobal) September 8, 2017