What we know about the 7.1 earthquake in Mexico

Over 12 million people experienced the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit central Mexico yesterday at 13:14.

The epicenter was located just 120km from Mexico City in the limits between neighboring states of Puebla and Morelos.

The latest update by Luis Felipe Puente, National Civil Protection Coordinator, stands at 223 people killed, while president Enrique Peña Nieto declared three days of national mourning.

The Ministry of Education has suspended all activities in schools in Mexico City, Morelos, and Puebla until Monday, September 25.

In Mexico City

Around 800 people have been taken to hospitals, while 52 people have been successfully rescued.

Mexico City mayor, Miguel Ángel Mancera,

noted that 38 buildings collapsed in the country's capital, while rescue efforts continue, the most dramatic taking place at a school in southern Mexico City district of Tlalpan, where the structure collapsed killing 25 people, 21 of which were children.

The National Disaster Center (CENAPRED) has noted in relation to recent activity from the Popocatépetl that " there has not been a significant increase of volcano activity that could be associated with the 7.1 earthquake registered on September 19."

Public Services
Public transport is free of charge

until further notice in Mexico City, including metro and bus networks.

Most of the lighting services have been restored, while Mexico City International Airport and hospitals remain fully operational.

Key

Recommendations

People are advised not to use their cars to allow emergency and rescue services to operate more effectively.

It is important to underline that aftershocks remain latent, while some buildings are still feared to collapse, for which authorities continue to evacuate residents.

Authorities have also cautioned the population to run a comprehensive structural revision of their homes with the support of engineers (students and faculty) from the Mexico National Autonomous University (UNAM) , who have volunteered for such effort.

Foreign Embassies to Mexico

Apart from solidarity and cooperation messages, no major announcements have been made in relation to foreign victims of the 7.1 earthquake in Mexico. More information to follow...

A helping hand

Thousands of volunteers from the civil society have contributed to the rescue and relief efforts in Mexico City.

Their stories and more information to follow...

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