Debris lies inside the earthquake damaged 17th century Templo del Senor del Calvario church in Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas state, Mexico, Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. Community members who were onsite removing and protecting the church鈥檚 religious icons and objects said the structure had been repaired after an earthquake one year ago, but that damage from Thursday鈥檚 tremor might be too much to repair.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Mexican President Enrique Pe帽a Nieto said the death toll in the powerful earthquake that struck off the country鈥檚 southern coast has risen to 61.
Nieto said the deaths of 45 people were in Oaxaca state, while another 12 were in Chiapas and four in Tabasco.
The Oaxacan City of Juchitan was hardest hit, with 36 of the fatalities occurring there and numerous buildings collapsing, including a hospital and part of the city hall.
In a televised address Friday evening, after touring the city and meeting with residents amid the debris, Nieto declared three days of national mourning, as he vowed that the government would help rebuild and called for solidarity.
Pena Nieto said that while 鈥渢he power of this earthquake was devastating鈥� Mexicans鈥� response 鈥渨ill be greater.鈥� KGA