http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/19/americas/mexico-earthquake/index.html
Central Mexico earthquake kills more than 140, topples buildings
By Steve Almasy, Ray Sanchez and Darran Simon, CNN
Updated 0243 GMT (1043 HKT) September 20, 2017
Violent earthquake rocks Mexico
Violent earthquake rocks Mexico
Rescuers work survivors amid the rubble of a collapsed building after a powerful quake in Mexico City on September 19, 2017. A powerful earthquake shook Mexico City on Tuesday, causing panic among the megalopolis' 20 million inhabitants on the 32nd anniversary of a devastating 1985 quake. The US Geological Survey put the quake's magnitude at 7.1 while Mexico's Seismological Institute said it measured 6.8 on its scale. The institute said the quake's epicenter was seven kilometers west of Chiautla de Tapia, in the neighboring state of Puebla. / AFP PHOTO / Alfredo ESTRELLA (Photo credit should read ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/Getty Images)
Violent earthquake rocks Mexico
Remains of a damaged building stands after an earthquake in Mexico City, Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
Sides of building crumble after Mexican quake
People remove debris of a building which collapsed after an earthquake rattled Mexico City on September 19.
7.1 earthquake hits central Mexico
People remove debris of a collapsed building looking for possible victims after an earthquake rattled Mexico City on September 19.
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Cheers as baby pulled from quake rubble
CCTV in café shows moment earthquake hit
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These cows survived the powerful earthquake in New Zealand
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Story highlights
Central Mexico earthquake kills more than 140 people
Strong earthquake comes on anniversary of devastating 1985 earthquake
(CNN)Rescuers combed through rubble Tuesday after a powerful earthquake killed scores and collapsed buildings in Mexico City and surrounding states on the anniversary of a devastating earthquake decades ago.
At least 149 people died in the magnitude-7.1 earthquake, officials said. Most deaths were reported in Puebla, Morelos and Mexico states, and Mexico City, the capital.
Video showed rescue workers in hard hats and civilians in a Mexico City neighborhood digging through two story-tall piles of rubble. Some carried away buckets full of debris. Volunteers called out the names of those possibly trapped under collapsed buildings. Windows buckled and shattered, falling several stories to the ground.
Rescuers and residents carry a woman to safety.
Rescuers and residents carry a woman to safety.
President Enrique Peña Nieto said 27 buildings collapsed in the capital, which is about 75 miles from the epicenter, CNN affiliate Foro TV reported.
Hours before the quake hit, many people took part in drills and commemorative events on the anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed thousands in Mexico City in 1985. Residents realized Tuesday's earthquake wasn't a drill when rooms trembled.
People remove debris from a collapsed building in Mexico City after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit the region on Tuesday, September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People remove debris from a collapsed building in Mexico City after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit the region on Tuesday, September 19.
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Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
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A woman's crushed body hangs in a collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman's crushed body hangs in a collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
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Rescue personnel look for survivors in a collapsed building in Cuernavaca, Mexico on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
Rescue personnel look for survivors in a collapsed building in Cuernavaca, Mexico on September 19.
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People react in Mexico City just after the quake hit. A few moments earlier, an earthquake drill was held in the capital. Two weeks ago, a magnitude-8.1 earthquake <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/08/americas/gallery/mexico-earthquake-2017/index.html" target="_blank">struck off the country's southern coast.</a>
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People react in Mexico City just after the quake hit. A few moments earlier, an earthquake drill was held in the capital. Two weeks ago, a magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck off the country's southern coast.
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People gather on a Mexico City street after office buildings were evacuated because of the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People gather on a Mexico City street after office buildings were evacuated because of the quake.
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A building is damaged in Mexico City on September 19. The earthquake happened 32 years after a magnitude-8.0 earthquake hit on September 19, 1985, killing an estimated 9,500 people in and around Mexico City.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A building is damaged in Mexico City on September 19. The earthquake happened 32 years after a magnitude-8.0 earthquake hit on September 19, 1985, killing an estimated 9,500 people in and around Mexico City.
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A woman in Mexico City cries as she tries to reach people on her cell phone after the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman in Mexico City cries as she tries to reach people on her cell phone after the quake.
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A bulldozer removes debris from a partially collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A bulldozer removes debris from a partially collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
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Patients from a Mexico City hospital receive treatment outside after the hospital was evacuated on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
Patients from a Mexico City hospital receive treatment outside after the hospital was evacuated on September 19.
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A woman in Mexico City reacts after the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman in Mexico City reacts after the quake.
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People remove debris off a building that collapsed in Mexico City.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People remove debris off a building that collapsed in Mexico City.
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A car is crushed by debris in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A car is crushed by debris in Mexico City on September 19.
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A woman receives medical assistance after she was injured in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman receives medical assistance after she was injured in Mexico City on September 19.
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People stand inside a Mexico City building that collapsed in the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People stand inside a Mexico City building that collapsed in the quake.
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05 mexico earthquake 0919graphic warning - multiple images19 mexico earthquake 091929 mexico earthquake 0919 RESTRICTED07 mexico earthquake 091911 mexico earthquake 091912 mexico earthquake 091918 mexico earthquake 091913 mexico earthquake 091922 mexico earthquake 0919 RESTRICTED14 mexico earthquake 091901 mexico earthquake 091915 mexico earthquake 091916 mexico earthquake 091902 mexico earthquake 0919
Preliminary reports put the epicenter 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) east-northeast of San Juan Raboso and 34.1 miles (55 km) south-southwest of the city of Puebla, in Puebla state, according to the US Geological Survey.
The earthquake struck at a depth of about 33 miles (51 km).
"Anything below 70 kilometers is considered a shallow quake," CNN meteorologist Allison Chinchar said. "That's important, because shallow earthquakes often cause the most damage, compared to the ones that are deeper, regardless of the strength. But this also was a relatively strong earthquake."
People remove debris off a building that collapsed after an earthquake rattled Mexico City.
People remove debris off a building that collapsed after an earthquake rattled Mexico City.
Here are the latest developments:
• Peña Nieto told Mexico citizens, "We are facing a new national emergency." The military was activated to help with assistance efforts. Rescue efforts would continue through the night, the President said.
• Education Minister Aurelio Nuño tweeted "all public and private schools in Mexico City are canceled until further notice." He said schools in the states of Puebla and Guerrero also are closed.
Hours after an earthquake drill in Mexico City, the real thing struck
Hours after an earthquake drill in Mexico City, the real thing struck
• The airport in Mexico City was closed for a time but reopened by evening. There was no damage reported to its runways.
• Local and state officials said the highest number of deaths occurred in Morelos, where at least 55 people were killed.
• The government said 3.8 million customers in central Mexico had their electricity service interrupted.
• Peña Nieto tweeted that he has ordered the evacuation of hospitals that have suffered damage. He also ordered the transfer of patients to other medical units.
• US President Donald Trump tweeted: "God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you."
God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2017
Photographer: Moment turns to terror
Adrian Wilson, a photographer from New York City who was visiting his fiancee, was eating in the capital when the earthquake struck.
"The floor gently rocked as if a big truck went by," Wilson said. "It then amplified in waves and the whole room started shaking. The building is from the 1930s and just survived a big earthquake, so I knew I would be OK."
Wilson told CNN: "The doors were flapping open, the windows, everything."
He took a quick video to show his children, he said.
"It's almost a roller coaster ride, where you think, wow, this is kind of cool. But then all of a sudden, you're like this isn't cool at all," he said.
He looked outside and saw helicopters, and burning and collapsed buildings. "Then you realize ... this is no joy ride for anybody."
Ricardo Ramos, a TV producer from Los Angeles, was scouting a location in a Mexico City cafe when the quake hit. He ran out into the street.
"Thank you, God, for keeping us safe once again. We got to experience another terrible #earthquake, this time during a location scout," he wrote on Instagram.
Thank you God for keeping us safe once again. We got to experience another terrible #earthquake, this time during a location scout.
A post shared by Ricardo Ramos V (@rramos1032) on Sep 19, 2017 at 11:23am PDT
'It was nerve-wracking'
Luis Ramos, who owns an airline business management company, said he was in a meeting near Mexico's main airport when the ground started to shake.
"We evacuated and when we got outside the roads were moving up and down and trees were falling," he told CNN. "It was nerve-wracking. "
Ramos said he got into a car with his driver and went to check on his 99-year-old grandfather, Pedro Cabrero, who lives in a high rise.
"On the elevated roadway, I could see smoke and hear explosions," he said. "I saw a lot of damaged buildings where the exteriors had fallen. I saw some collapsed buildings."
Ramos said his grandfather was safe. After the earthquake, the two drove around the capital trying to find a place to eat. "He tells me he's ready for a tequila," he said of his grandfather.
#Earthquake #MéxicoCity
A post shared by Marissa Neyra ✌ (@maryssa43) on Sep 19, 2017 at 3:20pm PDT
'Furniture fell over'
The September 19, 1985, earthquake registered at magnitude-8.0 and killed an estimated 9,500 people in and around Mexico City. That quake left a huge scar on the city, resulting in changes in building codes and greater protections against earthquakes, such as the drills that took place hours earlier.
Dorothy Munoz told CNN that she was watching a TV special on the 1985 earthquake when the earth shook for real.
"A fish tank fell to the floor," the Mexico City resident said. "Decorations around the apartment fell and broke. Furniture fell over."
Munoz grabbed her dogs and raced to the street, where people were told not to return to their apartments until buildings were checked for structural damage and gas leaks.
Tuesday's earthquake came more than one week after a magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck off the southern coast of the country, killing at least 90, according to the governor of the hard-hit state of Oaxaca.
"This is one of those moments where we all need to come together," Ramos said.
CNN's Elwyn Lopez, Hande Atay Alam, Catherine E. Shoichet, David Williams, Larry Register, Fidel Gutierrez, Abel Alvarado, Gustavo Ramirez, Phil Gast and Nicole Chavez contributed to this report.
Central Mexico earthquake kills more than 140, topples buildings
By Steve Almasy, Ray Sanchez and Darran Simon, CNN
Updated 0243 GMT (1043 HKT) September 20, 2017
Violent earthquake rocks Mexico
Violent earthquake rocks Mexico
Rescuers work survivors amid the rubble of a collapsed building after a powerful quake in Mexico City on September 19, 2017. A powerful earthquake shook Mexico City on Tuesday, causing panic among the megalopolis' 20 million inhabitants on the 32nd anniversary of a devastating 1985 quake. The US Geological Survey put the quake's magnitude at 7.1 while Mexico's Seismological Institute said it measured 6.8 on its scale. The institute said the quake's epicenter was seven kilometers west of Chiautla de Tapia, in the neighboring state of Puebla. / AFP PHOTO / Alfredo ESTRELLA (Photo credit should read ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP/Getty Images)
Violent earthquake rocks Mexico
Remains of a damaged building stands after an earthquake in Mexico City, Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
Sides of building crumble after Mexican quake
People remove debris of a building which collapsed after an earthquake rattled Mexico City on September 19.
7.1 earthquake hits central Mexico
People remove debris of a collapsed building looking for possible victims after an earthquake rattled Mexico City on September 19.
Earthquake witness: Rumble kept increasing
nepal drone footage earthquake disaster relief orig_00011504.jpg
Five things you should know about earthquakes
earthquake early warning system orig mg_00002310.jpg
Why aren't earthquake warnings better?
weather 15 years of earthquakes jj nccorig_00004316.jpg
15 years of earthquakes in 45 seconds
ring of fire chad myers weather orig_00003221.jpg
What is the 'Ring of Fire'?
Witness: Quake one of the strongest I've felt
This image grab shows Italian emergency workers rescuing a baby after an earthquake hit the popular Italian tourist island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples, causing several buildings to collapse on August 21, 2017. A magnitude-4.0 earthquake struck the Italian holiday island of Ischia, causing destruction that left two people dead at peak tourist season, authorities said, as rescue workers struggled early to free two children from the rubble. / AFP PHOTO / Gaetano Di MEGLIO (Photo credit should read GAETANO DI MEGLIO/AFP/Getty Images)
Cheers as baby pulled from quake rubble
CCTV in café shows moment earthquake hit
These cows survived the powerful earthquake in New Zealand ORIG _00000612.jpg
These cows survived the powerful earthquake in New Zealand
A house was completely destroyed in the small town of Visso in central Italy, Thursday, Oct 27, 2016, after a 5.9 earthquake destroyed part of the town. A pair of strong aftershocks shook central Italy late Wednesday, crumbling churches and buildings, knocking out power and sending panicked residents into the rain-drenched streets just two months after a powerful earthquake killed nearly 300 people. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Powerful earthquakes strike Italy
earthquake america risk doubles orig nws_00000206.jpg
America's earthquake risk doubles
orig 5 most powerful earthquakes on record npr_00002704.jpg
5 most powerful recorded earthquakes
pkg simon orig earthquake swarm_00010830.jpg
Earthquake swarms sign of the big one?
Tsunami warning after earthquake in Japan
Story highlights
Central Mexico earthquake kills more than 140 people
Strong earthquake comes on anniversary of devastating 1985 earthquake
(CNN)Rescuers combed through rubble Tuesday after a powerful earthquake killed scores and collapsed buildings in Mexico City and surrounding states on the anniversary of a devastating earthquake decades ago.
At least 149 people died in the magnitude-7.1 earthquake, officials said. Most deaths were reported in Puebla, Morelos and Mexico states, and Mexico City, the capital.
Video showed rescue workers in hard hats and civilians in a Mexico City neighborhood digging through two story-tall piles of rubble. Some carried away buckets full of debris. Volunteers called out the names of those possibly trapped under collapsed buildings. Windows buckled and shattered, falling several stories to the ground.
Rescuers and residents carry a woman to safety.
Rescuers and residents carry a woman to safety.
President Enrique Peña Nieto said 27 buildings collapsed in the capital, which is about 75 miles from the epicenter, CNN affiliate Foro TV reported.
Hours before the quake hit, many people took part in drills and commemorative events on the anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed thousands in Mexico City in 1985. Residents realized Tuesday's earthquake wasn't a drill when rooms trembled.
People remove debris from a collapsed building in Mexico City after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit the region on Tuesday, September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People remove debris from a collapsed building in Mexico City after a magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit the region on Tuesday, September 19.
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Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
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A woman's crushed body hangs in a collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman's crushed body hangs in a collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
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Rescue personnel look for survivors in a collapsed building in Cuernavaca, Mexico on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
Rescue personnel look for survivors in a collapsed building in Cuernavaca, Mexico on September 19.
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People react in Mexico City just after the quake hit. A few moments earlier, an earthquake drill was held in the capital. Two weeks ago, a magnitude-8.1 earthquake <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/08/americas/gallery/mexico-earthquake-2017/index.html" target="_blank">struck off the country's southern coast.</a>
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People react in Mexico City just after the quake hit. A few moments earlier, an earthquake drill was held in the capital. Two weeks ago, a magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck off the country's southern coast.
Hide Caption
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People gather on a Mexico City street after office buildings were evacuated because of the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People gather on a Mexico City street after office buildings were evacuated because of the quake.
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A building is damaged in Mexico City on September 19. The earthquake happened 32 years after a magnitude-8.0 earthquake hit on September 19, 1985, killing an estimated 9,500 people in and around Mexico City.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A building is damaged in Mexico City on September 19. The earthquake happened 32 years after a magnitude-8.0 earthquake hit on September 19, 1985, killing an estimated 9,500 people in and around Mexico City.
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A woman in Mexico City cries as she tries to reach people on her cell phone after the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman in Mexico City cries as she tries to reach people on her cell phone after the quake.
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A bulldozer removes debris from a partially collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A bulldozer removes debris from a partially collapsed building in Mexico City on September 19.
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Patients from a Mexico City hospital receive treatment outside after the hospital was evacuated on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
Patients from a Mexico City hospital receive treatment outside after the hospital was evacuated on September 19.
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A woman in Mexico City reacts after the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman in Mexico City reacts after the quake.
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People remove debris off a building that collapsed in Mexico City.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People remove debris off a building that collapsed in Mexico City.
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A car is crushed by debris in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A car is crushed by debris in Mexico City on September 19.
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A woman receives medical assistance after she was injured in Mexico City on September 19.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
A woman receives medical assistance after she was injured in Mexico City on September 19.
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People stand inside a Mexico City building that collapsed in the quake.
Photos: Deadly earthquake rocks central Mexico
People stand inside a Mexico City building that collapsed in the quake.
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05 mexico earthquake 0919graphic warning - multiple images19 mexico earthquake 091929 mexico earthquake 0919 RESTRICTED07 mexico earthquake 091911 mexico earthquake 091912 mexico earthquake 091918 mexico earthquake 091913 mexico earthquake 091922 mexico earthquake 0919 RESTRICTED14 mexico earthquake 091901 mexico earthquake 091915 mexico earthquake 091916 mexico earthquake 091902 mexico earthquake 0919
Preliminary reports put the epicenter 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) east-northeast of San Juan Raboso and 34.1 miles (55 km) south-southwest of the city of Puebla, in Puebla state, according to the US Geological Survey.
The earthquake struck at a depth of about 33 miles (51 km).
"Anything below 70 kilometers is considered a shallow quake," CNN meteorologist Allison Chinchar said. "That's important, because shallow earthquakes often cause the most damage, compared to the ones that are deeper, regardless of the strength. But this also was a relatively strong earthquake."
People remove debris off a building that collapsed after an earthquake rattled Mexico City.
People remove debris off a building that collapsed after an earthquake rattled Mexico City.
Here are the latest developments:
• Peña Nieto told Mexico citizens, "We are facing a new national emergency." The military was activated to help with assistance efforts. Rescue efforts would continue through the night, the President said.
• Education Minister Aurelio Nuño tweeted "all public and private schools in Mexico City are canceled until further notice." He said schools in the states of Puebla and Guerrero also are closed.
Hours after an earthquake drill in Mexico City, the real thing struck
Hours after an earthquake drill in Mexico City, the real thing struck
• The airport in Mexico City was closed for a time but reopened by evening. There was no damage reported to its runways.
• Local and state officials said the highest number of deaths occurred in Morelos, where at least 55 people were killed.
• The government said 3.8 million customers in central Mexico had their electricity service interrupted.
• Peña Nieto tweeted that he has ordered the evacuation of hospitals that have suffered damage. He also ordered the transfer of patients to other medical units.
• US President Donald Trump tweeted: "God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you."
God bless the people of Mexico City. We are with you and will be there for you.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2017
Photographer: Moment turns to terror
Adrian Wilson, a photographer from New York City who was visiting his fiancee, was eating in the capital when the earthquake struck.
"The floor gently rocked as if a big truck went by," Wilson said. "It then amplified in waves and the whole room started shaking. The building is from the 1930s and just survived a big earthquake, so I knew I would be OK."
Wilson told CNN: "The doors were flapping open, the windows, everything."
He took a quick video to show his children, he said.
"It's almost a roller coaster ride, where you think, wow, this is kind of cool. But then all of a sudden, you're like this isn't cool at all," he said.
He looked outside and saw helicopters, and burning and collapsed buildings. "Then you realize ... this is no joy ride for anybody."
Ricardo Ramos, a TV producer from Los Angeles, was scouting a location in a Mexico City cafe when the quake hit. He ran out into the street.
"Thank you, God, for keeping us safe once again. We got to experience another terrible #earthquake, this time during a location scout," he wrote on Instagram.
Thank you God for keeping us safe once again. We got to experience another terrible #earthquake, this time during a location scout.
A post shared by Ricardo Ramos V (@rramos1032) on Sep 19, 2017 at 11:23am PDT
'It was nerve-wracking'
Luis Ramos, who owns an airline business management company, said he was in a meeting near Mexico's main airport when the ground started to shake.
"We evacuated and when we got outside the roads were moving up and down and trees were falling," he told CNN. "It was nerve-wracking. "
Ramos said he got into a car with his driver and went to check on his 99-year-old grandfather, Pedro Cabrero, who lives in a high rise.
"On the elevated roadway, I could see smoke and hear explosions," he said. "I saw a lot of damaged buildings where the exteriors had fallen. I saw some collapsed buildings."
Ramos said his grandfather was safe. After the earthquake, the two drove around the capital trying to find a place to eat. "He tells me he's ready for a tequila," he said of his grandfather.
#Earthquake #MéxicoCity
A post shared by Marissa Neyra ✌ (@maryssa43) on Sep 19, 2017 at 3:20pm PDT
'Furniture fell over'
The September 19, 1985, earthquake registered at magnitude-8.0 and killed an estimated 9,500 people in and around Mexico City. That quake left a huge scar on the city, resulting in changes in building codes and greater protections against earthquakes, such as the drills that took place hours earlier.
Dorothy Munoz told CNN that she was watching a TV special on the 1985 earthquake when the earth shook for real.
"A fish tank fell to the floor," the Mexico City resident said. "Decorations around the apartment fell and broke. Furniture fell over."
Munoz grabbed her dogs and raced to the street, where people were told not to return to their apartments until buildings were checked for structural damage and gas leaks.
Tuesday's earthquake came more than one week after a magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck off the southern coast of the country, killing at least 90, according to the governor of the hard-hit state of Oaxaca.
"This is one of those moments where we all need to come together," Ramos said.
CNN's Elwyn Lopez, Hande Atay Alam, Catherine E. Shoichet, David Williams, Larry Register, Fidel Gutierrez, Abel Alvarado, Gustavo Ramirez, Phil Gast and Nicole Chavez contributed to this report.