Mexican President: Quake death toll now at 61, calls for three days of national mourning

Debris lies inside the earthquake damaged 17th century Templo del Senor del Calvario church in Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas state, Mexico, Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. Community members who were onsite removing and protecting the church’s religious icons and objects said the structure had been repaired after an earthquake one year ago, but that damage from Thursday’s tremor might be too much to repair.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said the death toll in the powerful earthquake that struck off the country’s southern coast has risen to 61.

Nieto said the deaths of 45 people were in Oaxaca state, while another 12 were in Chiapas and four in Tabasco.

The Oaxacan City of Juchitan was hardest hit, with 36 of the fatalities occurring there and numerous buildings collapsing, including a hospital and part of the city hall.

In a televised address Friday evening, after touring the city and meeting with residents amid the debris, Nieto declared three days of national mourning, as he vowed that the government would help rebuild and called for solidarity.

Pena Nieto said that while “the power of this earthquake was devastating” Mexicans’ response “will be greater.” KGA