Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico Tuesday, turning dozens of buildings in central Mexico into dust and debris, and killing at least 240 people.

It hit on the same day as the 1985 quake that killed thousands and as Mexico recovers from the deadly 8.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the country's southern coast just two weeks ago.

Tuesday's quake struck about 75 miles southeast of Mexico City but caused extensive damage in the capital city, leveling at least 44 buildings, including homes, schools and office buildings, according to Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, who did a flyover of the city Tuesday afternoon.

Rescue teams worked through the night, crawling under the rubble in search of survivors trapped by falling debris in the remains of buildings and schools, while authorities and volunteers set up tented collection centers to distribute food and water.

The USAR Puerto Vallarta team, made up of 18 elements from the Municipal Coordination of Civil Protection and Fire Departments, on Tuesday night traveled to Mexico City to participate in rescue efforts in the capital city and in surrounding states that were affected by the earthquake, which include Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, Estado de México and Michoacán.

The head of the Puerto Vallarta unit, Adrián Bobadilla García, reported that they are properly trained personnel who will join other elements that the state of Jalisco brings to the emergency in the center of the country. The USAR Group is a unit that specializes in the search and rescue of victims trapped in collapsed structures, confined spaces, and other emergency situations where conventional rescue groups are limited for technology and equipment reasons and in which time is a determining factor.

Many other volunteers and nonprofit organizations are already either on the ground or coordinating plans on how best to help the victims.

Here's How You Can Help the Victims of Mexico's Catastrophic Earthquakes:

The following are a list of nonprofit organizations providing aid to residents in Mexico, including areas affected by recent earthquakes.

• Red Cross Mexico

• Unicef Mexico

• World Relief

• International Community Foundation

• Global Giving Foundation

• Oxfam Mexico

• Save the Children Mexico

• Brigadas por la Vida - Techos de Esperanza

If you are here in Puerto Vallarta, CANACO Servytur Puerto Vallarta is calling on citizens to help our friends and family in the affected states. The PVRPV staff will be participating to help collect the needed items, which include:

• Bottle water
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, alcohol, syringes, etc.)
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collars, leashes, ID, food, carriers, bowls)
• Cleaning supplies

PVRPV will arrange delivery to the collection centers, so please donate today.