More than a dozen people have died after a devastating magnitude-8.2 earthquake struck off of the southern coast of Mexico late Thursday night.
Though current reports vary from 15 to three dozen lives lost, CNN says at least 23 people have died in the state of Oaxaca, four others in Chiapas state and two deaths have been reported in Tabasco state.
Some buildings and structures in the states closest to the quake were reduced to rubble and at least 1.85 million homes across the country temporarily lost electricity. While most of the power has been restored, some could be without water service for up to two days.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said the quake was the strongest to hit the country in a century.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a red alert for "shaking-related fatalities and economic losses."
"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Past red alerts have required a national or international response," the USGS stated.
The powerful quake's epicenter was in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 600 miles southeast of Mexico City and approximately 75 miles from Mexico's southern Pacific coast. The quake was also felt in Guatemala and Belize.
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Oaxaca Civil Protection Director Amado Bohorquez told CNN that as many as four people may be trapped inside a collapsed hotel in Oaxaca. According to The Washington Post, Oaxaca's Anel Hotel also collapsed. However, authorities told the publication that people inside managed to escape.
The quake also triggered multiple aftershocks and tsunami warnings. A three-foot tsunami was confirmed in Mexico but officials warned of waves as tall as 10 feet.
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Cameraman James R.D. Scott said the quake could even be felt in Mexico's tourist-laden Riviera Maya region.
Friday's deadly quake comes as the country prepares for Hurricane Katia. According to Weather.com, the storm is expected to strengthen and could become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) prior to making landfall in the Veracruz state in eastern Mexico on Saturday.
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