Powerful Earthquake Hits Mexico City

"The Secretariat of the Interior announces state of emergency in Mexico City due to the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1," the ministry shared on Twitter Tuesday evening.

The United States Geological Survey said the 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the southern Mexico region Tuesday.

Head of Mexico’s National Civil Protection Service Luis Felipe Puente said that the number of victims of the massive earthquake has increased to 139 people.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announced 44 building collapsed in Mexico City. In response to the quake, Mexico City International Airport suspended operations.

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​The quake hit five miles from the Mexican state of Puebla at a depth of 32 miles, the USGS added.

Nearly 4 million people have since been left without electricity, Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) announced via social media.

"According to preliminary data, 3.8 million clients [have] experienced interruption of electricity following today's earthquake," the CFE wrote on Twitter.

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Social media posts shared on Twitter showed dusts and smoke rising from several sights in Mexico City. 

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​​The powerful earthquake was felt by residents just hours after people had participated in earthquake drills Tuesday — incidentally the anniversary of the 1985 quake the killed thousands in the city.

​According to Miguel Ángel Mancera Espinosa, at least 20 buildings have been damaged, with some engulfed in flames. The Mexico City mayor added people were trapped inside burning buildings.

Following the quake, Mexico's stock exchange suspended all trading.

"God bless the people of Mexico City," US President Donald Trump tweeted Tuesday, after reports of the quake. "We are with you and will be there for you."

​Mexico was previously hit with an 8.0 magnitude earthquake on September 8 that killed more than 80 people in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.