Mexico earthquake death toll hits 61 with more feared dead as rescuers search rubble for survivors as tropical storm Katia threatens devastating flash floods today
The country's most powerful quake in a century has seen rescue workers desperately trawling the rubble of collapsed buildings
AT least 61 people have been killed after a massive 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico.
The country's most powerful quake in a century saw police, soldiers and emergency workers trawling the rubble of buildings for victims and survivors.
The rescue operation could be plunged into further chaos as Tropical Storm Katia makes its way up the east coast.
President Enrique Pena Nieto said 45 people were killed in Oaxaca state, 12 in Chiapas and four in Tabasco.
The final death toll is expected to rise above 80, according to officials.
In the hardest hit city, Juchitan in Oaxaca, at least 36 bodies have been pulled from the ruins.
Rescuers spent 18 hours at the city's collapsed town hall trying to save two policemen believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Vidal Vera, 29, a colleague of the two men was one of 300 rescue workers trawling through the concrete and debris.
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He said: "I can't remember an earthquake this terrible. The whole city is a disaster zone right now.
"Lots of damage. Lots of deaths. I don't know how you can make sense of it. It's hard. My sister-in-law's husband died. His house fell on top of him."
The epicenter of the quake, which hit late Thursday, was in the Pacific Ocean, about 100 kilometers off the town of Tonala in Chiapas.
The quake was felt as far north as Mexico City -- some 800 kilometers from the epicenter -- where people fled their homes, many in their pajamas, after hearing sirens go off.
Meanwhile, storm Katia reached the east coast late last night as a Category One hurricane, but hours later was downgraded to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
The US National Hurrican Center said the storm was "life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in areas of mountainous terrain".
It is expected to reach areas affected by the quake later today.
Brits have spoken of their terror after getting caught up in the earthquake
KAT OUT OF HELL Hurricane Katia is bearing down on Mexico
THREE hurricanes are churning in the Atlantic for the first time in seven years after Tropical Storm Katia was upgraded to hurricane strength.
As 185mph Hurricane Irma batters the Caribbean - closely followed by Hurricane Jose - Katia is bearing down on the east coast of Mexico.
Forecasters have been tracking the storm as it brews over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, close to where Hurricane Harvey gathered strength as it approached Texas.
Katia is heading in a different direction - southwest towards Mexico City.
The storm is blowing maximum sustained winds of around 80mph and is said to be gathering strength.
President Jimmy Morales said: "We have reports of some damage and the death of one person, even though we still don't have details.”
Thousands of holidaymakers are among those affected by the earthquake, which has left a number of locals homeless.
Terrifying footage captured the moment dozens of people ran for their lives after the quake hit a gaming arcade.
Debris can then be seen falling from the ceiling as people fled in terror.
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The person filming the video can be heard saying: "It's shaking. Oh my God, it's shaking so badly, son of a b****, son of a b****.
"Get the f*** out, get the f*** out, get the f*** out. My God."
A hotel in Oaxaca has collapsed in the major earthquake, but no one was reported dead at the resort.
Civil Defense photos show how the crumbling Anel hotel in Matias Romero split in half.
People in Mexico City ran out into the streets in pyjamas and alarms sounded after the quake struck just before midnight.
Brit Max Page, who was staying in the capital, said: “Whole house was rocking back and forth insanely, everyone ran out onto the street and was freaking out.
“Strongest earthquake I’ve ever felt, and I’m a person who lived in LA for 17 years.”