In photos: 20 years on from 1985's 8.0 trembler, Mexico hit by 7.2 magnitude quake

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 hit Mexico City, killing at least 248 people, including 72 in Morelos, 117 in Mexico City and 43 in Puebla. The country was hit by another major quake (measuring 8.1 magnitude) just two weeks prior, that had killed dozens and injured thousands. 

The epicentre of Tuesday’s quake was in Puebla, South-East of the capital Mexico City. According to the officials, as many as 44 buildings collapsed in Mexico City alone. Additionally, roughly 4.6 million homes and businesses in the districts of Guerrero, Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, and Tlaxcala suffered power outages due to the quake. 

Rescue and aid work is currently underway as locals are still looking for their missing loved ones under the rubble. Some have resorted to Twitter to post pleas regarding missing family members in the hopes of receiving any news of the same. 

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has appealed for calm, while U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted saying: “God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.” 

As the country struggles to come to terms with the tragedy, here are some pictures from the devastation and chaos left behind by the quake: