More Than 100 Dead In Mexico Earthquake
MEXICO CITY (CBSDFW.COM/CBS NEWS/AP) - At least 139 people are dead following the earthquake as buildings collapsed in plumes of dust and thousands fled into the streets.
Morelos Gov. Graco Ramirez said 42 died in his central Mexican state, with 12 dead in Jojutla and four in the state capital of Cuernavaca.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the epicenter was near the town of Raboso, about 76 miles southeast of Mexico City.
Mexico's seismological agency calculated its preliminary magnitude at 6.8 and said its center was east of the city in the state of Puebla.
Here is video shared on Twitter of Xochimilco, Mexico City during the earthquake.
Earlier in the day buildings across the city held preparation drills on the anniversary of the 1985 quake.
Puebla Gov. Tony Gali says buildings have been damaged in his state in central Mexico by the earthquake.
Gali said on his official Twitter account that "we will continue reviewing" damages and urged people to follow emergency procedures.
In Mexico City, thousands of people fled office buildings and hugged to calm each other along the central Reforma Avenue as alarms blared, and traffic stopped around the Angel of Independence monument.
Puebla Interior secretary Diodoro Carrasco said the towers of some churches have fallen in the city of Cholula, which is famous for its many churches.
President Donald Trump tweeted, "God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you."
Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement on the tragedy:
The thoughts and prayers of Texans are with the people of Mexico following another devastating earthquake. Mexico has been challenged by several natural disasters over the last few weeks, and our hearts are heavy for those lost and impacted by these tragedies. The State of Texas will continue to offer any support to aid Mexico in their time of need.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
