Mexico Shaken By “Most Powerful Earthquake In A Century”, At Least 15 Dead
Southern Mexico was shaken late Thursday by an 8.1-magnitude earthquake that killed at least 15 people, triggered a tsunami warning and was felt as far away as Mexico City . Despite the immense power of the tremor, which Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto described as “the most powerful earthquake in a century,” authorities said it had caused limited damage – but warned residents in affected areas to brace for aftershocks.
According to the Associated Press, the quake caused buildings to sway violently in Mexico’s capital more than 650 miles away from its epicenter. Residents fled buildings in their pajamas and gathered in frightened groups in the street.
While Mexico City avoided the widespread devastation of a 1985 quake that killed thousands, the tremor was strong enough to shatter windows at Mexico City airport and knock out power for one million residents, according to Reuters. For many, access has yet to be restored.
A number of buildings suffered severe damage in parts of southern Mexico. Some of the worst initial reports came from Juchitan in Oaxaca state, where sections of the town hall, a hotel, a bar and other buildings were reduced to rubble. The cornice of a hotel fell in the southern tourist city of Oaxaca, a witness told Reuters. The tremor was felt as far away as neighboring Guatemala.
