Peruvian Consul in Mexico Gloria Olivares said no Peruvian nationals have been reported, so far, among the victims of the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the Aztec country on September 19.
According to local sources, the death toll in
Tuesday's earthquake has climbed to over 240, with most of the fatalities in Mexico City, the capital.
Mexican authorities continue rescue operations and at least 25 mild aftershocks have been recorded following the initial tremor.
"There are no Peruvian nationals among the victims. We are circulating the information we get —especially that from official sources— to prevent rumors in the media," she told RPP radio and TV station.
The lack of regular telephone service poses a serious problem for those trying to establish communication, she explained.
"Some managed to contact us yesterday. We have found a few, but we are looking for others who came on a tourist visit," she added.
The Peruvian Embassy in Mexico is still trying to locate the following citizens: Stephany Venegas, Carmen Flores, Kathy Huertas, Johana Huertas, Teresa Cedeño, Felipa Gamarra, Luis Alberto Gómez, Mónica Cabrera, Ponciano Corzo, Karen Tenorio and Emilia Malpartida.
The powerful event caused panic among the megalopolis' 20 million inhabitants on the 32nd anniversary of a devastating 1985 quake.
According to the
US Geological Survey, the quake struck the Puebla area of Mexico at 1:14 PM local time.
(END) JCC/RES/RMB/MVB
Video: Mas de 200 fallecidos tras terremoto en México
Published: 9/20/2017