The dead included at least 21 children crushed beneath a primary school that collapsed on Mexico City's south side during the 7.1-magnitude quake, authorities said.

Destruction in wake of Mexico's deadliest earthquake since 1985

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico at about 2.15 pm (local time) on Tuesday, killing more than 200 people, leaving many trapped under collapsed buildings and sending people flooding into the streets.

The deadly earthquake came less than two weeks after a massive 8.1-magnitude quake hit the country on September 7 and killed nearly 100.

The quake was felt far and wide. In Mexico City, there were power outages and more than 40 buildings collapsed, trapping people inside the rubbles.

The destruction revived horrific memories on the anniversary of another massive quake in 1985, the disaster-prone country's deadliest ever. 

In several locations, large crowds of people clambered on buildings that were now piles of stone and tangled metal, trying to pull people out. Just hours before the quake hit, many people took part in drills and commemorative events.

People struggled to get home when power poles that toppled in the quake blocked the streets and the public transportation system temporarily shut down operations. Nearly 5 million customers were still without power early Wednesday.

Amid the noise and chaos, organisers periodically called for silence so rescuers could listen carefully for signs of life. For a few seconds, everyone would freeze in place. Hearing nothing, the rescue effort resumed.

Thousands of soldiers, rescuers and civilians in Mexico City clawed through the rubble with picks, shovels and their bare hands.
 
Much of Mexico City is built on former lakebed, and the soil can amplify the effects of earthquakes centered hundreds of miles away.
 
Earth usually has about 15 to 20 earthquakes this size or larger each year.