A Strong Earthquake of magnitude 8.1 has struck in the Pacific off the southern coast of Mexico
A very powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.1 has struck in the Pacific off the southern coast of Mexico, shaking buildings in the capital and sparking tsunami warnings.
A huge rescue operation is under way in the worst-hit states of Tabasco, Oaxaca and Chiapas where people are feared trapped under rubble.
President Enrique Peña Nieto says at least 200 people have been injured.
The USGS said a magnitude 8.1 quake struck  123 km (76 miles) southwest of the town of Pijijiapan, at a depth of 33 km (21 miles). Widespread, hazardous tsunami waves were possible, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
The quake was felt in Mexico City, with buildings shaking and people running into the street. Some electricity cuts have been reported in the capital but there are no reports of major damage there.
A Magnitude 8.0 #earthquake just struck off the coast of Mexico.
At this point I'm just praying for every living thing on this planet. ???????? pic.twitter.com/skBv761y8P
— E5QUIRE (@Dj_E5QUIRE) September 8, 2017
UPDATE: Strongest #earthquake 'since 1985' strikes off Mexican coast https://t.co/fmyIjo3mxN pic.twitter.com/iBXA00PA5O
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) September 8, 2017
If confirmed at magnitude 8.1, the quake would be bigger in strength to those that struck Mexico in 1995 and 1985. The latter hit close to Mexico City and caused thousands of deaths.
Mexico is currently also being threatened on its eastern coast by Hurricane Katia. The government has said at least 32 people have died in southern Mexico. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said in a tweet that he had initiated emergency protocols, including convening the National Emergency Committee.
