Earthquake kills hundreds in Mexico, sends buildings crashing

A powerful earthquake has killed over 200 people and brought down several buildings in Mexico’s capital city and surrounding states.

The 7.1 magnitude quake occurred after many in Mexico City had taken part in an earthquake drill to mark the 32nd anniversary of the earthquake that killed up to 10,000 in 1985.

The residents were said to have possibly thought the earthquake alarms were part of the drills.

Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto said more than 20 children had died and 30 were missing after a school collapsed during the quake.

“We are facing a new national emergency,” Nieto said, adding that the death toll now stands at 217.

Miguel Angel Mancera, Mexico City mayor, said 44 buildings were severely damaged or destroyed and that several major gas leaks and fires occurred.

The highest death toll was in Morelos State, south of Mexico City, where 64 deaths were reported, said Luis Felipe Puente, head of the nation’s civil protection agency. In Mexico City, at least 36 people were killed, he said.

US President Donald Trump said on Twitter: “God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.”

Mexico is among the most seismically active regions in the world, a reason why it is prone to huge quakes.