HUGE numbers of people have been evacuated from the coast of Mexico, due to fears that a tsunami (a giant wave) will strike the coast.

The tsunami warning came after an incredibly powerful 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the south coast of the country just before 5am on Friday morning (8 September). According to the US Geological Survey, it is the largest earthquake to hit Mexico since an equally powerful quake in 1932, which killed hundreds of people.

Early reports suggest that at least a few people have been killed by this latest earthquake. Many schools and offices have been closed, until experts can check to see if there has been any damage.

So far, the biggest waves measured have been just 1m above tide level, but experts are worried that there could be waves as high as 3m (10ft), which could cause widespread damage along the coast.