A view of a partially collapsed hotel in Matias Romero, Oaxaca state, Mexico. (Source: AP)

At least 61 people were reported dead in one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Mexico that struck off the country’s southern coast and toppled hundreds of buildings. The earthquake affected around 50 million people in 12 states, mostly in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Over 260 strong aftershocks rattled the region in the following hours. The tsunami warnings have been removed. Search and rescue efforts are underway.