Deadly earthquake hits Mexico

Team Udayavani, Sep 20, 2017, 10:49 AM IST

Mexico: A 7.1-magnitude massive earthquake struck central Mexico on Tuesday killing hundreds of people.

The quake shook the ground with terrifying force where around 149 people died. Most deaths were reported in Puebla, Morelos and Mexico states, and Mexico City, the capital.

At least 44 buildings collapsed or partly collapsed in the quake. At least two multistory apartment buildings fell, and residents said dozens of people could have been inside.

Rescue workers carried at least one person out on a stretcher while helicopters circled.

The earthquake struck less than two weeks after the 8.1-magnitude quake off the Pacific coast of southern Mexico. Scientists said the same large-scale tectonic mechanism caused both events: The larger North American Plate is forcing the edge of the Cocos Plate to sink. This collision generated both quakes. But it was unlikely that the quake earlier this month caused Tuesday’s disaster.

In a Twitter message Tuesday after receiving news of the quake, President Donald Trump wrote: “God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.”