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Massive Earthquake Off Mexican Coast Leaves At Least 58 Dead

An 8.1 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico's southern coast early Friday.

By: Briana Koeneman

Posted at 12:42 PM, Sep 09, 2017

and last updated 2017-09-09 12:42:58-04

One of the most powerful earthquakes to hit Mexico shook the country's southern coast early Friday.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the massive quake measured in at 8.1 magnitude.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said it was an 8.2 magnitude tremor. Either way, it's one of the strongest earthquakes on record in Mexico.

The USGS has noted a number of aftershocks as well, some of them over 5.0 in magnitude.

As of Friday evening, officials say the quake has killed at least 58 people and injured 200 more. The USGS has issued a red alert, meaning it expects "high casualties and extensive damage."

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed the quake triggered a tsunami, prompting warnings in several countries. The center confirmed waves 3 feet over the normal tide level already hit the Mexican coastline.

The last Mexican earthquake around this size hit in 1985. The 8.1 magnitude quake killed more than 9,500 people and caused major damage in Mexico City.