The Queen sends a message to the President of Mexico following devastating earthquake

The Queen has sent a message of condolence to President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico following an earthquake that has caused devastation in the country.

In a letter to the President, Her Majesty wrote: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and the devastation following the terrible earthquake yesterday in Mexico.

“That it happened so soon after the powerful earthquake that hit southern Mexico less than two weeks ago is all the more concerning.

?Prince Philip and I send our sincere condolences to the victims of this disaster, to those who have lost loved ones, and to those who have seen their homes and property destroyed.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those affected.

“Elizabeth R.”

President Nieto has declared three days of national mourning to honour those who have died in the earthquake.

Currently the death toll is in excess of 220 fatalities, but that figure is expected to rise.

The shallow, 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck on Tuesday evening and has caused major damage across central states in the country.

The search and rescue operation continues, with people working around the clock looking for survivors.

Dozens of buildings collapsed, including schools, churches and residential structures.

The earthquake struck shortly after largescale earthquake drill was conducted exactly 32 years to the day after another earthquake killed over 10,000 people in the country.

Just last week, an 8.1 magnitude tremor occurred in the earthquake-prone country which left 90 people dead.

The two quakes are not thought to be related, however, there are concerns that aftershocks may now occur.