Updated: 10am 21st September, 2017
The death toll in the wake of a magnitude 7.1 earthquake which struck in central Mexico on Tuesday has risen to at least 230.
The earthquake, which struck at about 1.14pm local time – on the 32nd anniversary of a massive 1985 quake in which thousands died, had an epicentre located in Puebla state and affected Morelos and Mexico states as well as the capital Mexico City.
A number of buildings collapsed in Mexico City, which, along with surrounding areas, has a population of around 20 million. Hundreds of emergency workers are involved in rescue operations to find people who are trapped in debris.
Ricardo Fuentes Nieva, executive director of Oxfam Mexico, said the organisation’s teams were assessing the damage to determine their response.
“I realised it was a big one – I decided to dash for the door and to get to the ground floor,” said Mr Fuentes-Nieva, whose own home was destroyed in the earthquake.
“I made it to the street in the middle of the earthquake and I could see buildings collapsing. I could hear buildings cracking. I could see parts of the walls falling. I’m going to stay with my sister, I am lucky like that. There are many people out there who not so lucky – those are the people we want to work for.”
The earthquake came in the wake of a magnitude 8.1 earthquake in the country on 7th September. Almost 100 people died in that earthquake.
Pope Francis was among international figures who sent messages in the wake of the disaster, saying he was praying for the country. “In this moment of pain, I want to express my closeness and prayers to all the beloved Mexican people,” he was reported as saying.
