MEXICO CITY (Reuters) — An earthquake of magnitude 8.1 struck off the southern coast of Mexico late on Thursday (September 7), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said, killing at least five people, triggering small tsunami waves and damaging some buildings.

Eyewitness phone footage showed the moment the earthquake struck in a hotel room in Mexico City.

Further footage of Mexico City International Airport’s Terminal 2 showed what appeared to be earthquake damage to the floor. An information board monitor was seen swaying and the footage also showed a passenger sitting on the floor being assisted by others.

Some buildings were severely damaged in the south of the country, including a hotel where rescuers were searching to make sure nobody was trapped. There were reports of windows broken at the Mexico City International Airport and power going out in several neighbourhoods of the capital.

The quake was apparently stronger than a devastating 1985 tremor that flattened swathes of Mexico City and killed thousands, but initial reports of damage in the city were limited.