TV news anchor cuts broadcast short as a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hits Mexico
‘Right now that’s the earthquake alarm going off, this is not a drill,’ says broadcaster the moment the quake hits
By David Choi
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Mexico on Tuesday was captured on camera during a live television-news broadcast.
“Right now that’s the earthquake alarm going off, this is not a drill,” the broadcaster said in Spanish. “We’re feeling an earthquake now, the floor is moving.”
Buildings across Mexico City conducted preparation drills early in the day, which was coincidentally the anniversary of the 1985 quake that killed at least 5,000 people, the Associated Press reported.
“You all already know what you have to do now: Stay calm, and evacuate immediately,” the broadcaster continued. “I’m going to get up and evacuate.”
As the broadcaster stands up to leave, cameras begin to shake violently and a blaring warning siren could be heard in the background. Studio equipment from the and overhead studio lights can be seen swaying as the station goes off-air.