The Maldivian government has expressed condolences to Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto following Thursday’s powerful earthquake that killed dozens.

 The ‘message of sympathy’ was sent out by President Abdulla Yameen, where he had also said that he was deeply ‘grieved’ to learn about the devastation caused by the 8.1 magnitude earthquake.

“During this time of national distress, the Government and people of the Maldives join me in conveying our deepest sympathies to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of Mexico, and in particular, to those who were directly affected by this calamity” the message said.

While President Yameen had wished the ongoing relief efforts success, the Mexican government reported that at least 61 people have been killed in the disaster.

"The power of this earthquake was devastating, but we are certain that the power of unity, the power of solidarity and the power of shared responsibility will be greater," Peña Nieto said in a televised address on Friday.

Peña Nieto has declared three days of national mourning.