This is the terrifying moment a magnitude 7.0 earthquake knocked out power to Mexico City late Tuesday.

Footage shows residents evacuating on the streets as car alarms went off during the tremors. The locals screamed as a nearby power supply exploded and caused a blackout in the area.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said personnel are working to restore electricity to affected locals across the city.

The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake was shallow, measured at an initial depth of 7.8 miles below the surface. Its effects were felt as far as 230 miles away from the epicentre.

Authorities said there has been one casualty so far — a man crushed by a falling post in a small town west of Acapulco city.