Earthquake in Mexico's La Crucecita: Massive magnitude 7.4 quake kills at least six people
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck southern Mexico`s Pacific coast on Tuesday, killing at least six people and seriously injuring others in isolated villages, while causing damage to buildings hundreds of miles away in Mexico City. Photo: Reuters
Most hit regions
The fatalities were near the quake`s center in Oaxaca, a mountainous state known for its coffee, mescal and Spanish colonial architecture. Photo: Reuters
Epicenter of the earthquake
A Reuters witness in the state`s Pacific coast resort town of La Crucecita, which Mexican authorities said was the epicenter of the earthquake, saw anxious residents standing outside their homes hours after the tremor as they feared deadly aftershocks. Photo: Reuters
US Geological survey on Mexico earthquake
The US Geological Survey said the epicenter of Tuesday`s quake was located 69 km (43 miles) northeast of the town of Pochutla. Photo: Reuters
Level of devastation
Houses were scarred by wide cracks across walls and residents sought to clear debris from the streets. About 200 houses in the area were damaged, including 30 that were badly impacted, a local official said. Photo: Reuters
Challenge for rescue operators
Rescue workers battled for hours to reach the settlement, near the epicenter, where the quake brought down homes and parts of the mountainside, the official said.
A clinic and old churches near the epicenter were severely damaged, images on social media showed. Quakes of magnitudes over 7 are major earthquakes capable of widespread, heavy damage. Photo: Reuters
Mexico City shakes
In Mexico City, buildings shook strongly and people ran into the streets when an early warning seismic alarm sounded. Two people were injured and more than 30 buildings in the capital suffered damage, officials said, including buildings still scarred from a 2017 earthquake that killed 355 people in the capital and the surrounding states. Photo: Reuters