7.1-magnitude earthquake: death toll rises to 230 in Mexico

A 7. Magnitude earthquake hit Mexico after 1:00 pm local time and has caused hundreds of deaths with several buildings collapsed and residents fleeing on the streets. The director of the government's civil protection service, Luis Felipe Puente tweeted that till Wednesday, the death toll has reached 223 due to the disastrous earthquake. 

Over 93 deaths were reported in Mexico City, 69 deaths in the Morelos state, 43 in Puebla, 13 deaths in Mexico state, four in Guerrero and one death in Oaxaca. 

The entire Mexico city was turned into a war ground where rescue workers were seen rushing injured people to the nearest first aid center. This was the second earthquake strike in the city in less than two weeks. On September 7th an 8.1 magnitude hit southern Mexico and killed more than 98 people. The damage was recorded in several homes. 

The latest earthquake, however, has recorded more damage despite the low magnitude in compared to the first one. 

An entire primary school collapsed with several children below its roof. Jorge Vidal, the director of operations at Save the Children in Mexico said, "Children are often the most vulnerable in emergencies such as this, and we are particularly concerned because schools across the region were in session and filled with students.’ 

There are many areas left without power and connectivity and several people estranged at various locations. 

A local resident, who was at the Mexico Airport said, "I felt the ground shaking, and I heard everyone screaming and starting to run," U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Tuesday afternoon, "God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you." 

Vice President Mike Pence echoed those comments, tweeting, "Our hearts are with the people of Mexico City. We're thinking of you and, as @POTUS said, we are with you." 

The State Department said in a statement, "We stand ready to provide assistance should our neighbors request our help. Our embassy in Mexico City has sent out public messages to U.S. citizens in Mexico, and the embassy stands ready to provide consular assistance to any U.S. citizens who may have been affected. We offer our condolences to any who were injured or lost loved ones." 

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