Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Mexico's West Coast

Mexico's National Seismological Service said a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the southwestern state of Michoacan on Monday.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on social media that only one death has been reported in the neighboring state of Colima.

Other states and provinces have not reported any fatalities or major structural damage, but videos and photos of collapsed buildings have been shared on social media.

Mexico's civilian protection department advised authorities to keep the population away from beaches until a tsunami alert is canceled as strong currents are expected at the entrances of ports.

According to Mexico's Federal Electricity Commission, power outages are affecting 9% of the population of four states and Mexico City. The commission said 30% of power service has been restored.

In the country's capital, Mexico City, historically one of the most vulnerable cities to earthquakes, Governor Claudia Sheinbaum reported no damage.

However, helicopters are still patrolling the city in search of any major damage.

"We're going to stop by and get some information. We sincerely hope that nothing serious has happened," said President Obrador outside the National Palace in Mexico City.

The earthquake is a grim reminder to Mexicans who remember the devastating earthquake that occurred 37 years ago on Sept. 19, 1985 ranking 8.1 in magnitude and another on the same day in 2017 with a 7.1 magnitude.

About an hour before the earthquake in Michoacan, eight states participated in a drill recalling both earthquakes.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for Mexico. -