A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck northeast of Roatan in Honduras early on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

The quake is 80 miles (130 km) northeast of the coastal town of La Ceiba, and 200 miles (320 km) from the capital city of Tegucigalpa. It has a relatively shallow depth of 6.2 miles (10 km), according to reports.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a local tsunami watch was in effect for Honduras, Belize and Guatemala.

Source: Xinhua