Mexico earthquake: over 200 dead, buildings toppled

At least 226 people have died following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that hit Mexico Tuesday, according to a tweet by Of those killed, nearly half were in the country's capital, according to Puente.

Rescuers have been searching for survivors, through the night, after Tuesday’s powerful earthquake shook the capital, as well as surrounding states, killing multiple people and leaving many trapped under collapsed buildings.

At least 149 people died in Mexico City, as well as in the states of Puebla, Mexico and Morelos, according to officials.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre of the 7.1-magnitude earthquake was 4.5 kilometers east-northeast of San Juan Raboso and 55 km south-southwest of the city of Puebla, in Puebla state.

22 bodies were found in the debris of an elementary school in Mexico city, which collapsed during the quake, said President Enrique Peña Nieto. At least 30 children were still missing on Tuesday night, he said.

"We are facing a new national emergency," Peña Nieto told citizens earlier on his first address following the earthquake.

Thousands of soldiers, rescuers and civilians, including college students, worked side by side to dig through piles of rubble, after dozens of buildings crumbled earlier.

Some carried away buckets full of debris, while others called out the names of those who have been rescued.

Education Minister Aurelio Nuño tweeted that all public and private schools in Mexico City, as well as some of the states affected by the earthquake, will remain closed until further notice.

The earthquake occurred on the anniversary of a devastating earthquake, which killed thousands in Mexico City in 1985. Just hours before the quake hit, many took part in commemorative events and drills.

"God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you," US President Donald Trump tweeted.