Another Powerful Earthquake Hit Mexico
A deadly earthquake rocked Mexico city and neighboring states, killing at least 216 people, including primary school children.
The 7.1-magnitude quake left a trail of massive destruction as it toppled dozens of building including schools. At least 22 bodies were discovered under the rubble of an elementary school in the capital. Reports say 30 children were still missing.
The epicenter of the 7.1-magnitude earthquake was 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) east-northeast of San Juan Raboso and 34.1 miles (55 km) south-southwest of the city of Puebla, in Puebla state.
Tuesday’s earthquake came more than one week after a magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck off the southern coast of the country, killing at least 90. The quake also struck on the 32nd anniversary of a devastating earthquake that killed thousands in Mexico City in 1985.
Rescue Efforts Underway
The Mexican government launched a massive 24/7 rescue operation in a mission to search for survivors after Tuesday’s quake. Local officials believe many more people were trapped under collapsed buildings.
Police, soldiers, firefighters and local volunteers collaborated in desperate attempts to save more survivors. They dug through the rubble of collapsed schools, apartments, and homes, looking for survivors. Trained dogs also helped firefighters in the search and rescue operation.
One volunteer rescue worker, Dr. Pedro Serrano managed to crawl into the crevices of the piles of rubble that had been a school known as Escuela Enrique Rebsamen. He made it into a classroom, but found all of its occupants dead.
Serrano recalled, “We saw some chairs and wooden tables. The next thing we saw was a leg, and then we started to move rubble and we found a girl and two adults – a woman and a man.”
World Reacts to Mexico’s Devastating Quake
International leaders and prominent celebrities expressed shock and grief through the use of social media.
President Trump shared a message on Twitter, saying: “God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.”
Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his thoughts were with those affected by the “devastating” earthquake and vowed: “Canada will be ready to help our friends.”
Celebrities like TV show host Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears also took to Twitter, sending love and support to the people Mexico.
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