Death toll rises to 27 after Mexico hit by earthquake

At least 27 people have been killed after an earthquake hit Mexico’s south-western coast overnight.

The earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Mexico, registering a magnitude of 8.4 and causing severe damage to many towns in nearby areas.

A tsunami warning has been announced in the country, as well as in the neighbouring nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

Mass evacuations have begun across the region, after the quake hit just before midnight on Thursday.

Reports suggest there had been waves of up to one metre in some areas of Mexico following the earthquake.

Security agencies in Mexico have said it is the biggest quake to hit the country since thousands were killed in a massive disaster in 1985.

Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto said the tremors were felt as far as Mexico City, and said the death toll was likely to rise further.

The worst-hit area appears to be the state of Oaxaca, where there has been reported to have been 20 deaths, while other casualties come from the Tabasco area.