IRISH people in Mexico have been urged to let friends and family know they are safe following a deadly 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
The Press Association is reporting that more than 248 poeple are feared dead, with more than half of that number in the capital.
More than 248 people are now feared dead after the earthquake in Mexico, and the total number of people missing is still unknown pic.twitter.com/78zkSzBWXj
— Press Association (@PA) September 20, 2017
The Irish Government's releqased its latest travel alert for Irish citizens and said:
We are aware of reports of an earthquake of 7.1 magnitude in Puebla, Mexico, the effects of which were felt in central Mexico including Mexico City.
There are reports of damage to infrastructure in Mexico City. Earthquake aftershocks may be expected.
Irish citizens in affected areas should stay in close contact with their hotels or tour operators and follow the advice of local authorities.
Irish citizens in affected areas should let family and friends know of their safety and whereabouts.
#Breaking 22 bodies pulled from collapsed school in Mexico City where 38 remain missing following earthquake, the country's president says
— Press Association (@PA) September 20, 2017
A rescue mission is now underway as crews and volunteers search rubble for survivors in central Mexico.
The tragedy comes less than two weeks after another powerful earth quake killed at least 98 people in southern Mexico.
The country's President Enrique Peña Nieto said 22 bodies had been pulled from a collapsed school in the neighbourhood of Coapa in Mexico City.