Mexico was hit by a powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8. It was the second major quake in the country in the last three days, with the previous one measuring 7.6 on the scale. 

A total of four people have died in Mexico due to the recent earthquakes. Two people died in the quake that shook western and central Mexico earlier this week. Two death have been reported on Thursday, when the second earthquake struck.

Also Read: Why Mexico is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes

“Unfortunately, two people lost their lives in Mexico City, according to the report by Claudia Sheinbaum, head of government”, according to a social media post from Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of Thursday’s earthquake was about 29 miles southwest of Aguililla, Michoacan. It was recorded at a depth of 15 miles.

Michoacan’s state government said the quake was felt throughout the state. It reported damage to a building in the city of Uruapan and some landslides on the highway that connects Michoacan and Guerrero with the coast.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said via Twitter that it was an aftershock from Monday’s quake and was also felt in the states of Colima, Jalisco and Guerrero.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said via Twitter that one woman died in a central neighborhood when she fell down the stairs of her home. Residents were huddled in the streets as seismic alarms blared, news agency Associated Press reported.

Also Read: 5 most destructive earthquakes to have struck Mexico

The earthquake rattled an already jittery country. Monday’s more powerful quake was the third major earthquake to strike on September 19 — in 1985, 2017 and now 2022.

The 2017 and 2022 September 19 quakes came very shortly after the annual earthquake drill conducted every September 19 to commemorate the devastating 1985 temblor that killed some 9,500 people.