Mexico earthquake: Death toll rises to 61

Officials in Mexico are scrambling to respond to a 8.1 magnitude natural disaster off the country’s southern coast that has killed at least 61 people and triggered tremors across the region, according to The Independent.

Its epicentre was 102 miles west of Tapachula in southern Chiapas.

The Governor of the Mexican state of Chiapas announced the first fatalities following the most powerful quake to hit the country since 1985, striking 119km south-southwest of Tres Picos. Additionally, hundreds of people have reportedly lost electricity as normal life has come to a halt in Southern Mexico. The government has reportedly ordered evacuations in some areas as a safety measure.

“We are assessing the damage, which will probably take hours, if not days”, said Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, in an address to the nation about two hours after the quake. He also confirmed that majority had their power restored later on Friday. “Homes, schools and hospitals have been affected”. Multiple aftershocks ranged between 4.5 and 5.7 in magnitude, the US Geological Survey said.

Which city was hit hardest?

Emergency services are assisting with the rescues of people in collapsed buildings. According to recent reports, the airport suffered minor damages, including broken windows. He also warned it’s possible to see an aftershock as big as 7.2 within the next 24 hours.

Guatemala was also hit by this quake; the president says they have lost at least one other life. Of the total, 45 deaths were reported in Oaxaca, 12 in Chiapas and four in Tabasco, the president said.

In neighbouring Guatemala, President Jimmy Morales said damaged assessments would soon begin.

The quake was registered in local calculations has having a magnitude of 8.2, making it the largest to hit Mexico in 100 years. The last major quake to have shaken up Mexico was the 1985 tremor, which has resulted in the death of thousands of people.