A strong earthquake off the coast of Guatemala shook buildings in Guatemala City, killing eight people on Wednesday. The tragic quake caused evacuations as far away as Mexico City.

The dead were buried under rubble in three different Guatemalan towns, according to local officials. It was the strongest earthquake to hit Guatemala since a 7.5 magnitude quake in 1976 that claimed more than 20,000 lives.

Landslides were blocking roads in some areas, and about 40 houses were severely damaged after the 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit at 10:35 a.m. local time (1635 GMT).

The quake was also felt in El Salvador and more than 750 miles (1,000 km) away in Mexico City.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a very small tsunami was registered on Guatemala's coast, adding there was a risk of localized damage within a 62 mile (100 km) radius.