Mexico quake: evacuation drill may have saved lives

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The quake came just hours after emergency drills marked the anniversary of the devastating earthquake that left more than 10,000 people dead.

32-years ago the 8.1 magnitude quake was centered some 400 kilometres west of the capital but due to relatively unstable ground underneath the city serious tremors went on for nearly three minutes.

Gas mains ruptured and explosion tore buildings, reducing more than 3,000 to rubble. Thousands more had to be pulled down after suffering severe structural damage.

As a result, Mexico marks the anniversary with large evacuation drills, which may well have saved many lives overnight.