A strong 6.9 magnitude tremor struck eight kilometres southwest of Tajumulco, Guatemala, at 8.29AM UK time.

The tremor has caused five fatalities, with reports also suggesting that a further seven have been severely injured by the quake.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has said that locals should “expect aftershocks hours, days, or weeks after the main quake”, although this is a standard warning.

The epicentre of the earthquake was 98 kilometres beneath the surface, with aftershocks felt around western Guatemala and southern Mexico, including a 5.2 tremor.

Civil Protection of the Mexican state of Chiapas has reported that in the municipality of Huixtla a woman received medical attention after falling while running seconds after the earthquake, but her condition is stable.