Earthquake in Mexico leaves over 200 dead

Rescuers searched for survivors throughout the night after a powerful earthquake shook Mexico City and the surrounding states on Tuesday, killing scores and leaving many trapped under collapsed buildings.

Officials stated that over 200 people died in Mexico City, the country’s capital, including the states of Puebla, Mexico and Morelos. Moreover, 5 million people have been left without electricity.

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, according to a US Geological Survey.

The president of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, said that 22 bodies were found among the debris of an elementary school in Mexico City which collapsed as a result of the earthquake. At least 30 children were still missing Tuesday night, he said.

“We are facing a new national emergency,” Peña Nieto told citizens earlier on his first address following the earthquake.

Thousands of soldiers, rescuers and civilians, including college students, were working side by side to dig through tall piles of rubble after dozens of buildings collapsed earlier on Tuesday.