Powerful earthquake jolts Mexico killing 149 people
Wednesday, September 20th, 2017 9:45:09 by fatimaarshad
On Tuesday a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico resulting in the death of 149 people and widespread damage. The earthquake was so powerful that it toppled buildings and structures which were considered to be very stable.
As the powerful jolts rocked the heavily populated capital city, people ran out on the streets in panic and millions lost electricity and gas supply. As soon as the tremors seized, rescue workers and volunteers started scouring for any survivors buried under the rubble.
According to Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera, 44 buildings were severely damaged or destroyed and several major gas leaks and fires had broken out. He said that rescue teams and volunteers were working with all their might with the little equipment they had in order to get to the survivors in time. The United Nations (UN) had also expressed condolences and said that it was ready to assist.
“We have some buildings where we have reports that there could be people inside. They are doing it with lots of caution,” the interior secretary said, adding that more rescue personnel would be needed.
The earthquake occurred during lunch time and as soon as the tremors stopped, people tried to rush to their homes from work. Due to this the traffic got clogged and ambulances and fire-trucks faced severe traffic jams.
Frantic relatives tried desperately to look for their loved ones. “My wife is there. I haven’t been able to communicate with her. She is not answering, and now they are telling us we have to turn off our cellphones because there is a gas leak,” said Juan Jesus Garcia, 33, choking back tears.
The epicentre of Tuesday’s quake was in Puebla, the US Geological Survey said. Aftershocks to the strong earthquake are also expected in the coming few days and people are advised to remain careful.
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Posted by fatimaarshad
on Sep 20 2017. Filed under Latest News, World.
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