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Barack Obama has tweeted to say he wants to send a "big hug for everyone" affected by the devastating earthquake which struck Mexico .
“Thinking about our neighbours in Mexico and all our Mexican-American friends tonight," the former President tweeted.
"Cuidense mucho y un fuerte abrazo para todos,” he added in Spanish, which translates to: "Take care and a big hug for everyone."
At least 216 people have been killed by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake, which knocked down dozens of buildings in the capital city and nearby states.
Twenty-two bodies were pulled from rubble at a school in Mexico City .
President Enrique Pena Nieto visited the school and said in comments broadcast online by Financiero TV that 30 children and eight adults were still missing.
Some relatives said they had received Whatsapp message from two girls inside.
Central Mexico rocked by 7.1 magnitude earthquake Thousands fled into the streets in panic and many stayed to help rescue those trapped.
Later, Mr Pena Nieto issued a video message urging calm and saying the initial focus of authorities is on finding people trapped in fallen buildings.
"The priority at this moment is to keep rescuing people who are still trapped and to give medical attention to the injured people," he said.
Show all 13 1 /13Mexico City earthquake in pictures Mexico City earthquake in pictures A handout picture provided by the citizen Edgar Cabalceta shows a general view of Mexico City following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, in Mexico City, Mexico
EPA
Mexico City earthquake in pictures Rescuers and residents look for victims amid the ruins of a building knocked down by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that jolted central Mexico damaging buildings, knocking out power and causing alarm throughout the capital on September 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. The earthquake comes 32 years after a magnitude-8.0 earthquake hit on September 19, 1985
Getty Images
Mexico City earthquake in pictures A police officer stands guard near a building which collapsed after a quake rattled Mexico City
RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Mexico City earthquake in pictures Rescuers, firefighters, policemen, soldiers and volunteers remove rubble and debris from a flattened building in search of survivors after a powerful quake in Mexico City
AFP/Getty Images
Mexico City earthquake in pictures Rescuers and residents look for victims amid the ruins of a building knocked down by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that jolted central Mexico damaging buildings, knocking out power and causing alarm throughout the capital on September 19, 2017 in Mexico City
Getty Images
Mexico City earthquake in pictures People try to rescue survivors from a collapsed buildings after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on the Richter scale in Mexico City, Mexico, 19 September 2017. At least 79 people lost their lives in the states of Morelos, Puebla and Mexico by the earthquake of magnitude 7.1 on the Richter scale.
EPA
Mexico City earthquake in pictures People clear rubble after an earthquake hit Mexico City, Mexico
REUTERS
Mexico City earthquake in pictures People clear rubble after an earthquake hit Mexico City, Mexico
REUTERS
Mexico City earthquake in pictures Rescuers and residents assists an injured victim amid the ruins of a building knocked down by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that jolted central Mexico damaging buildings, knocking out power and causing alarm throughout the capital on September 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. The earthquake comes 32 years after a magnitude-8.0 earthquake hit on September 19, 1985.
Getty Images
Mexico City earthquake in pictures People remove debris outside a collapsed building after an earthquake in Mexico City, Mexico
REUTERS
Mexico City earthquake in pictures People remove debris as they search for possible victims after a quake rattled Mexico City on September 19, 2017. A powerful earthquake shook Mexico City on Tuesday, causing panic among the megalopolis' 20 million inhabitants on the 32nd anniversary of a devastating 1985 quake. The US Geological Survey put the quake's magnitude at 7.1 while Mexico's Seismological Institute said it measured 6.8 on its scale. The institute said the quake's epicenter was seven kilometers west of Chiautla de Tapia, in the neighboring state of Puebla.
AFP/Getty Images
Mexico City earthquake in pictures A security guard walks over debris of a building which collapsed during a quake in Mexico City
AFP/Getty
Mexico City earthquake in pictures Reconstruction work in the towns affected by the telic movement has begun. Several temples suffered severe damage.
Rex
It is the deadliest earthquake in Mexico since a 1985 quake on the same date killed thousands, and came just two hours after earthquake drills were held across Mexico to mark the 32nd anniversary of the earlier tremor.
Donald Trump also tweeted his support for the people of Mexico .
"God bless the people of Mexico City," the President wrote. "We are with you and will be there for you."
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