An earthquake measuring 7.1 has hit southern Mexico.

The tremor was centred 8 kilometres north-east of Puerto Madero, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

It struck near the Pacific coast and the border with Guatemala.

It is not clear if any damage has been caused, but early reports say at least two people have died.

A similar powerful earthquake hit the Mexican capital back in April.

Mexico City is vulnerable to earthquakes because much of it sits atop the muddy sediments of drained lake beds that quiver as quake waves hit.

The magnitude 8.1 quake in 1985 that killed at least 6,000 people and destroyed many buildings in Mexico City was centred 400 kilometres