Strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocks Mexico

Strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocks Mexico

2012-03-21 09:42:45 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) -- A strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Mexico on Tuesday, causing panic up to the country's central region.

According to the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) preliminary earthquake report, the epicenter of the quake, which had a depth of 17 kilometers, was in the state of Guerrero, around 186 kilometers (115 miles) east of the popular port city of Acapulco and about 25 kilometers (16 miles) east of Ometepec, both in the same state.

However, Mexico's National Seismological Service (SSN) reported a 7.8-magnitude earthquake at around noon local time. The USGS later reported at least six aftershocks as of 1:30 p.m. local time. Three of them registered a magnitude of 5.1 while the strongest was 5.3.

The strong earthquake was felt up to Mexico's central region, as several buildings across Mexico City were completely evacuated.

Through his Twitter account, Mexican President Felipe Calderon said no major damage was reported, although part of a pedestrian crossing bridge collapsed and crushed a public transportation bus in the Atzcapotzalco area of Mexico City. No passengers were in the vehicle and the driver only suffered minor injuries.

BNO News reporter Djatmiko Waluyo, who at the time of the earthquake was located in Mexico City's Roma neighborhood, one of the older and traditional areas not far from downtown, described the powerful earthquake.

"The building began swerving from side to side and loud thumps were heard from the walls as they seemed to be cracking," he said, adding that the sensation of dizziness lasted around 30 or 40 seconds as people rushed down the stairs and exited the building.

"The Medellin market was evacuated as well as groups of nervous people were hesitant to reenter the buildings."

On September 20, 1985, one of the most devastating earthquakes struck the coastal area of Michoacan, although most of the damage was seen in Mexico City. Initial government reports indicated that from 6,000 to 7,000 people died, although further investigations revealed that approximately 10,000 people died.

The 8.1-magnitude earthquake completely or partially destroyed several important buildings such as the General Hospital of Mexico, the Televicentro building, which is now operated by Televisa, one of the country's most important TV networks, as well as several residential buildings.

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