Donald Trump responds to Mexico City earthquake: 'We are with you'

It took the President nearly a week to express condolences to Mexico's President earlier this month after the worst earthquake there in a century

Donald Trump at the United Nations (Evan Vucci/AP)

Donald Trump responded quickly after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Mexico City, expressing support for the people there dealing with the deadly aftermath of the tremors.

"God bless the people of Mexico City," Mr Trump wrote in a tweet. "We are with you and will be there for you."

Images and videos show buildings in rubble, smashed cars, and people hurrying in Mexico City to try and save lives after the earthquake, which originated about 40 miles southeast of the Mexican capital in Puebla. At least five deaths have been reported by local media, while officials in the area have said they are unsure how many people might be trapped inside collapsed buildings in Mexico City. Some buildings in the city have been spotted on fire.

As the earthquake hit, pictures fell down from walls, and objects were shaken from flat surfaces. Facades were seen falling off of 10 story buildings, and one video showed a group of volunteers rushing to move large metal beams near what one onlooker said was a school.

The earthquake is the second major tremor to hit Mexico this year. Earlier in the month, an 8.1 magnitude earthquake hit of the southwestern coast of the country, primarily impacting the regions of Oaxaca and Chipas. The tremors reached as far as Mexico City and Guatemala City. At least 98 people were killed by that earthquake.

But, Mr Trump did not respond as speedily to that event. It took him nearly a week to call Mexican President Pena Nieto to offer his condolences, which he said was because of poor mobile phone connexion. Those condolences were the first public comments from the President on the natural disaster, which left 2.5 million people in need of assistance.