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Strange Blue And Green Flashes Spotted In The Mexican Sky Following Earthquake

Strange Blue And Green Flashes Spotted In The Mexican Sky Following Earthquake

Scientists don't know what causes the strange phenomenon

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Strange green and blue flashes lit up the sky over Mexico City after it was hit by a powerful earthquake.

The 8.2 magnitude earthquake has killed at least five people and resulted in a tsunami warning for Mexico, El Salvador, Coast Rica, Nicargua, Guatemala, Panama and Honduras.

One Twitter user filmed the bizarre lights, which are often reported during or after earthquakes.

Scientists have not agreed on what causes the lights, with some claiming it's simply the result of power supplies being hit.

Credit: Twitter/@lalocedeno

However, a scientific paper published in the Seismological Research Letters, claimed that the lights are caused by highly charged atoms, which ionise pockets of air and create light-emitting plasma.

Credit: PA

In November last year, a man called Zachary Bell from Wellington in New Zealand filmed a similar phenomenon after it was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

The earthquake which rocked Mexico is the most powerful to hit the country in 32 years. In footage and photographs taken in the aftermath of the quake, you can see streets left in darkness, smashed windows and heavily damaged buildings.

Credit: PA

The United States Geological Survey has said that there has been several strong aftershocks, all stronger than 5-magnitude.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center have warned that waves "reaching more than three metres above the tide level are possible along the coasts of Mexico." This has led to those living in the coastal areas of Chiapas state being evacuated.

Credit: PA

The Chiapas Governor Manuel Velasco told television station Televisa: "There are damages in hospitals that have lost energy. Homes, schools and hospitals have been affected."

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@lalocedeno

Topics: Earthquake, Mexico