Terrifying visuals of Mexico earthquake stun the world
Thirty-two years after a devastating quake killed thousands in Mexico City, the horrific memories of 1985 were revived after a magnitude-7.1 tremblor struck the country on the same day on Tuesday. According to various news reports, just hours before the disaster hit, people around Mexico had held earthquake drills to mark the date.
As buildings crumbled like cardboard houses, clouds of dust bellowed out, killing more than 200 (at the time of filing this piece) people.
Aquí el momento donde un edificio, al parecer en la Colonia Roma colapsa. pic.twitter.com/rAYKX0lJjm
— REFORMACOM (@Reforma) September 19, 2017
#NMINFORMA | ???? Sismo provoca daños en varios edificios de la Ciudad de México. pic.twitter.com/dd3JZfbeoN
— NoventaMinutos.MX (@NMinutosMX) September 19, 2017
I am speechless and heartbroken to see what is happening in Mexico City #PrayersforMexico fuerza CDMX #RezaPorMexico pic.twitter.com/rLvdfggP2w
— Ana (@ana_froelich) September 19, 2017
One of the most stomach-churning scenes described by various news agencies was at a primary school on Mexico City's south side, where three floors collapsed into one, trapping students and teachers inside. Twenty-one children and five adults were killed at the Enrique Rebsamen primary school, according to this report.
Folks this is no game, bodies of 22children were found under rubble, & I haven't seen a single story in mainstream media #PrayersforMexico???????? pic.twitter.com/Z6oKzpzsO0
— Eduardo Samaniego (@EduSamani) September 20, 2017
Here are some more images:
While rescuers worked through the night to try and find survivors, #PrayersForMexico trended on Twitter even as the devastating earthquake brought together Mexicans to each other's aid. Twitter was flooded with heart-wraming images and updates.
#PrayersforMexicoI love the unity that we have in this circumstances, this is my Mexico, this is what I'm proud of????????❤️ #MéxicoFuerte pic.twitter.com/8VhHN46yUG
— Carly James (@ICarlyJam) September 20, 2017
World leaders and celebs, including US President Donald Trump, took to social media to express their shock and grief.
Trump shared a message on Twitter, saying:
God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2017
There were more who shared the grief:
Thinking about our neighbors in Mexico and all our Mexican-American friends tonight. Cuidense mucho y un fuerte abrazo para todos.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 20, 2017
Devastating news from Mexico City. My thoughts are with those affected by today’s earthquake - Canada will be ready to help our friends.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 19, 2017
To @EPN and all our friends in Mexico, our hearts are with you. We offer any assistance you may need.
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 20, 2017
Sending all of my love to the people of #Mexico today.❤️ ????????
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 19, 2017