Friday, 22/09/2017 09:11 (GMT+7)
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has announced three days of national mourning in honour of the victims, after an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck southern Mexico, 123 km from Mexico city, in Puebla state.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (central) (Source: Xinhua/VNA)
At least 230 people have been killed across the region.
Enrique Pena Nieo said the death toll was expected to rise in coming days as rescue workers continue to search for survivors.
“Mexico shares your pain” was posted on the President’s official Twitter account, as the period of mourning was announced.
Mexico City authorities said 93 people have been confirmed dead in the capital.
"That is the official figure that we have," Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera told reporters at a press conference.
Some 52 survivors have been rescued from the rubble, he said.
Many city hospitals are providing treatment free of charge to the injured, and the subway system is free to encourage people to leave their cars at home, freeing up the roads for emergency vehicles, and allowing volunteers to get about easily.
The quake was the second major earthquake to hit Mexico in two weeks and occurred on the anniversary of the 1985 quake that devastated Mexico city, killing 5,000 people and destroying 10,000 homes./.
Compiled by BTA