Mexico Earthquake: Death Toll Rises As Rescue Effort Begins

The number of people killed by a powerful earthquake off the southern coast of Mexico has risen to at least 58, officials say.

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 8.1-magnitude quake was the strongest to hit the region in a century.

“The National Emergency Committee is currently reporting 58 deaths from the September 7 earthquake,” agency director Luis Felipe Puente wrote on Twitter.

Officials said 45 deaths had been reported in Oaxaca; 10 in Chiapas and three in Tabasco.

One of the worst hit towns was Juchitán, in Oaxaca, where at least 17 deaths have been reported. The town hall and a number of other buildings were destroyed or badly damaged.

“The situation is Juchitán is critical; this is the most terrible moment in its history,” said Mayor Gloria Sanchez.

At least one other person has been killed in Guatemala, its president has said.