IN PICTURES: As details unfold, it is clear that Mexico's earthquake has devastated urban as well as rural areas.
The massive 7.1 magnitude hit 8 kilometers southeast of Atencingo in the central state of Puebla at a depth of about 51 km, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Buildings were engulfed by fires in the capital, Mexico City, as people were trapped in buildings.
The quake struck the region hours after people took part in earthquake drills across the country on the anniversary of the devastating quake that killed thousands in Mexico City in 1985.
Dozens of people have been killed.
Video showed the side of a government building collapsing and falling into the street as bystanders screamed.
The quake comes weeks after a powerful 8.1 quake hit the south of the country earlier this month, killing at least 90 people.
Click here for continuing coverage of Mexico's earthquake.
Pictures
People react after an earthquake hit in Mexico City, Mexico September 19, 2017.AFP
People react after an earthquake hit in Mexico City, Mexico September 19, 2017.Reuters
People remove debris of a damaged building after an earthquake hit Mexico City.AFP
Damages are seen after an earthquake hit in Mexico City, Mexico September 19, 2017.Reuters
Damages are seen after an earthquake hit in Mexico City, Mexico September 19, 2017.Reuters
Mexico Highway – Acapulco section Cuernavaca – Chilpancingo kilometers 109 collapsed in lanes heading south..Policia Federal
Buildings crumbled across Mexico City.teleSUR
Soriana de Taxqueña.teleSUR
The devastation has been traumatizing.teleSUR
According to the National Seismological Service, the 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit 5 miles southeast of Atencingo in the central state of Puebla at a depth of 32 miles.teleSUR
Panic has gripped the region as tremors are sure to follow the initial temblor.teleSUR
The earthquake hits less than two weeks after a devastating 8.1 magnitude temblor that impacted off the coast of Chiapas.teleSUR
The extent of damage has been described as "apocalyptic" and "horrifying."teleSUR
The quake hit only hours after many people participated in earthquake drills around the nation on the anniversary of the devastating quake that killed thousands in Mexico City in 1985.teleSUR
The people of Mexico have suffered an unprecedented month of disasters.teleSUR