:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/WRTAFR25DV55OL2G4DTOGK5NAQ.jpg)
The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning for those travelling to Mexico after a powerful earthquake.
The quake in central Mexico has claimed at least hundreds of lives. The magnitude 7.1 quake comes just two weeks after another powerful earthquake killed at least 98 people in southern Mexico.
The Department said it advises against non-essential travel to the states of Michoacan, Guerrero and Tamaulipas except for the cities of Morelia (Michocan) and Acapulco, Taxco and Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo (Guerrero).
It said it is currently not aware of any Irish causalities or injuries, but are monitoring the situation and are on hand to provide consular assistance.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XAUASDPK7IYRG3WTJPZM7OPKJ4.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EVBPXV5K6GFZJLTEB3HPO57P34.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/QQOSTM4VQEFWRHO5YGEEKPTGBU.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/R4ILYMP44C2EHFRPNVSIRQ42NE.jpg)
The Department said it strongly recommends anyone travelling to Mexico to obtain comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities. It has also asked those travelling to Mexico to register your details with the department so that they contact you quickly in an emergency
It said Irish citizens in affected areas should stay in close contact with their hotels or tour operators and follow the advice of local authorities. “Irish citizens in affected areas should let family and friends know of their safety and whereabouts,” the department added.
President Michael D Higgins sent his condolences to the President of Mexico, HE Enrique Pena Nieto and to the people of Mexico on Wednesday.
The President also recalled the earthquake that struck Mexico’s Puebla state earlier this month and “expressed the solidarity of the Irish people with those affected by the tragedies”.
You can contact the emergency services in Mexico by dialling 060 or 066. Anyone with concerns for Irish citizens in the region can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01 408 2527.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/68beaffc-e215-471c-8432-9c9fdf43a54b.png)