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Mexican Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 90

by Reuters

   The death toll from the massive earthquake that struck Mexico on
   Thursday night has risen to at least 90 after emergency services in the
   southern state of Oaxaca said late on Saturday there had been 71
   confirmed fatalities in the state alone.

   "It's 71 (dead). Just for Oaxaca," said Jesus Gonzalez, a spokesman for
   the state civil protection authority.

   At least 15 people died in the neighboring state of Chiapas, according
   to local authorities, while another four deaths have also been
   confirmed in the state of Tabasco to the north.

   The 8.1 magnitude quake that struck off the coast of Chiapas on
   Thursday was stronger than a devastating 1985 temblor that flattened
   swathes of Mexico City and killed thousands.

   Relief efforts in the south continued through Saturday, with many of
   the people worst affected still wary of returning indoors to weakened
   buildings, fearing they could be brought down by ongoing aftershocks.