Earthquake rocks Mexico and the United States

Tourists in Mexico and Los Angeles were among those affected by the biggest earthquake to hit the region for almost 20 years.

Two people were killed and scores more were injured in the quake that travelled from Los Angeles to Tijuana.

The tremor, which measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, caused buildings to collapse at the epicentre, in Mexicali, where one man, believed to be a resident, was killed by falling rubble and another was hit by a car as he ran from his home.

No tourists are believed to have been injured, though many were evacuated from hotels in Los Angeles and San Diego. Guests were forced to leave the Sheraton Hotel in San Diego after cracks appeared in the floor, but they were all allowed to return after a few hours.

Rides at Disneyland in California where closed and inspected for damage following the earthquake on Sunday but they were operating normally again by the end of the day.

In Tijuana, a Mexican beach resort popular with North Americans, swimmers were warned to get out of the sea for fear that the earthquake would cause a tsunami. They were allowed back in the water after an hour.

Flights from the UK to California and Mexico are continuing to operate normally and tour operators have not cancelled programmes. Holidaymakers with forthcoming trips who might be concerned about damage to their hotels should contact their tour operator or hotel direct to find out if they need alternative accommodation.

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