Description of the event

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Mexico on 19 September. The epicentre of the powerful earthquake was approximately 3 miles east-northeast of San Juan Raboso and 34 miles south-southwest of the city of Puebla, and 75 miles from Mexico City.

The capital city was particularly affected by the earthquake, where almost half of the casualties took place. Many people were trapped under collapsed buildings and rescuers have spent days searching for survivors. The President reported that several children were killed and many more went missing as a result of a school collapse.

Emergency workers, military personnel, and volunteers are searching through rubble to recover survivors. Over 2 million people in the capital were left without electricity and phone lines.

In addition to Mexico City, the states of Morelos, Puebla, Guerrero and Oaxaca have also been affected and a second 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Oaxaca on 23 September, further disrupting rescue operations.

Earlier in September an 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico, killing 90 people, but it is believed that there is no connection between these two earthquakes.