7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico shakes the country, leaves 1 dead

Mexico was shaken by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday. The epicentre of the quake was near the Pacific resort town of Acapulco, leaving several buildings shaking across the capital and hundreds of kilometres away.

The National Seismological Service said the southeast of Acapulco in Guerrero state was the epicentre, and other parts of the country were also impacted. As per reports, one person lost his life after a utility pole fell on him in the nearby town of Coyuca de Benitez.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador addressed the nation soon after the incident in a video message; he said no major damage was reported.

AFP reported that a church building collapsed in Acapulco, and several utility poles also fell on vehicles, leaving huge damages. Travellers evacuated hotels as a series of aftershocks rattled nerves.

"I went to the bathroom, and all of a sudden, I felt a very strong movement, and then I got scared and screamed," said a tourist from Mexico City who fled outside in a bath towel.

"I came with my mom, and we were on the 11th floor of the hotel," he said, crying to his 86-year-old mother, who was crying.

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Acapulco Mayor Adela Roman said the quake triggered a "nervous breakdown" in the city. She said "many gas leaks" were also detected in the living areas.

The earthquake was felt heavily in Mexico City, sending residents and tourists into the streets.

"I'm very scared. I do not know if I will sleep tonight. I was concerned about my daughter. I woke her up and took her outside. I did not even put on shoes," the 49-year-old said.

Bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Mexico is one of the most seismically active places across the world. It is lying on top of five tectonic plates, including three large ones.

On September 19, 1985, an earthquake of 8.1 in Mexico City killed more than 10,000 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. On the anniversary of the 2017 earthquake, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake killed about 370 people, mainly in the capital.