Earthquake kills 24 in Mexico - 22 January, 2003

Central and western Mexican States were shaken yesterday by a powerful trembler leaving a provisional toll of 24 people killed and 300 injured. Dozens of houses were destroyed and public services were cut out in many cities.

Earthquake's epicenter took place in the western State of Colima, next to the Pacific Ocean, 480 kilometers from Mexico DF. Authorities remarked that victims toll is still provisional, as constantly rises while rescue operations advance.

Butch Kinemey, spokesman of the US Geological Service said that according with the preliminary surveys, damages could be very important as the 7.6 Richter Scale Earthquake was very powerful and not very deep.

Guadalajara, country's second largest city was also affected. The most important damages were reported from the States of Colima, Michoacan and Jalisco. A one-year-old girl and an 85 old lady died in the city of Zapotitlan.

Hernan Etchaleco
PRAVDA.Ru
Argentina

Photo (AFP): The trembler was also felt in Mexico DF. Many left buildings fearing 1985 disaster.