A powerful earthquake centred near the southern Mexico resort of Huatulco appeared to have killed at least one person, swayed buildings and trees in Mexico City and sent thousands fleeing into the streets.

The U.S. Geologic Survey said the magnitude 7.4 quake hit at 10:29 a.m. along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast at a depth of 26 km. The epicentre was 12 km south-southwest of Santa Maria Zapotitlan in Oaxaca state.

Police and volunteers helped to clear debris from a collapsed colonial building in the middle of Oaxaca City following the powerful earthquake.

One person died in the state of Oaxaca, Governor Alejandro Murat confirmed, after the quake hit the Pacific coastal state mid-morning.

Seismic alarms sounded midmorning with enough warning for residents to exit buildings. Power was knocked out in some areas.

It was felt in Guatemala and throughout south and central Mexico.

Quakes of magnitudes over 7 are major earthquakes capable of widespread, heavy damage.