Kids trapped under collapsed Mexico school contact families

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As rescuers continue to race against time in their search through the rubble for survivors, one school in Mexico City has been the source of sorrow and cautious optimism.

The Enrique Rebsamen School, where over 21 people were reportedly killed, gave relief, albeit partial, for many students trapped under the debris managed to send messages to their family members.

The powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Mexico City and the surrounding region on Tuesday, killing over 230 people. the tremor caused dozens of buildings to collapse, burying scores under the rubble.

As time runs out, hope is fading fast. Rescue workers have been furiously trying to find signs of life, using picks, shovels, heavy machines and even bare hands.

The volunteers have created a human chain to quickly move food and medical supplies for families affected by the earthquake and rescue workers, many of whom are soldiers and marines.

According to newspaper EI Universal, Fatima, one of the girls trapped, sent a message to her relatives, saying she is fine and is staying with other trapped children. The girl also said they are all thirsty and really need help.

EI Universal reported that a boy named Victor was found alive by a soldier. Victor told reporters he was crushed by a fence and can barely breathe.

A volunteer rescuer, Dr. Pedro Serrano described how he dug holes, crawled in and found the way into a classroom where he found three bodies – two adults and a child. Serrano added he was unable to pull them out because it was too dangerous.

With the clock ticking, relatives have expressed more angst and distress.

"They keep pulling kids out, but we know nothing of my daughter," said Adriana D'Fargo, whose seven-year-old was still missing.

Serrano said rescue workers won’t give up hope of finding more survivors.

"We can hear small noises," the doctor said. "We don't know if they're coming from above or below – from the walls above, or from someone below calling for help."

Rescue workers and soldiers wait next to a collapsed building after an earthquake in Mexico City, Mexico September 20, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

Time and again, the volunteers and emergency personnel had to ask people around to be quiet so they could hear any sound and signs of life from underneath the rubble.

‍(CGTN's Franc Contreras also contributed to this story.)‍

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