A magnitude-8.1 earthquake struck the southern Pacific coast of Mexico just before midnight on Thursday, September 7 destroying hundreds of buildings and leaving at least 32 dead according to the Associated Press.
The northern coast of Japan was also struck by a 5.3 magnitude earthquake mere hours after the Mexico quake. There have been no immediate reports of damage according to local media outlet NHK.
The LDS Church responded to the situation in southern Mexico and church spokesman Eric Hawkins released the following statement on Friday morning:
'With the rest of the world, we are deeply concerned about the many natural disasters that have occurred around the globe in recent weeks. Last night's earthquake in Mexico affected thousands of people, and we pray for their safety and wellbeing. Two missions of the Church were directly impacted (the Mexico Tuxtla Gutierrez and Mexico Oaxaca Missions) and the quake was felt throughout a much larger region. We have confirmed that all missionaries are safe and well. The condition of other Church facilities and the earthquake's impact to other members are unknown at this time. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.'
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