Mexico was hit with a powerful earthquake that killed more than 120 people on Tuesday, the anniversary of a disastrous 1985 quake. The 7.1-magnitude tremor was centered in southeast Mexico and caused buildings in Mexico City—about 76 miles away from the epicenter—to sway and pictures to fall from walls. Mexico City’s mayor said at least 30 people died there. Traffic was reportedly brought to a standstill and videos emerged of buildings collapsing and fires breaking out. Much of Mexico City is built on former lake bed, and the soil can amplify the effects of earthquakes hundreds of miles away.
