Obama's Daughter Safe After 7.6-Magnitude Mexican Earthquake

The White House said Tuesday afternoon that following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Mexico, President Barack Obama's daughter and her party are all safe.

In light of today's earthquake, we can confirm that Malia Obama is safe and was never in danger, said Kristina Schake, spokeswoman for first lady Michelle Obama, in a statement.

Schake has requested that the media respect the Obama daughters' right to privacy when not appearing with their parents at public functions.

From the beginning of the administration, the White House has asked news outlets not to report on or photograph the Obama children when they are not with their parents and there is no vital news interest. We have reminded outlets of this request in order to protect the privacy and security of these girls, said Schake in a statement on Monday, which the White House emailed International Business Times. IBT complied with the White House request.

The powerful earthquake struck southwest Mexico, with an epicenter in Guerrero state, as previously reported. Strong aftershocks were felt throughout Mexico City, causing buildings to be evacuated.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake struck 11 miles below the surface shortly after noon local time. The earthquake could reportedly be felt through Oaxaca and Acapulco.

President Felipe Calderón took to Twitter to announce his country did not sustain any serious damage.

On Feb. 8, 2012, the State Department issued a travel warning to all potential tourists to Mexico.

U.S. travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter TCOs [Transnational Criminal Organizations] which engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico, wrote the State Department in a statement. The TCOs themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. As a result, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country and can occur anywhere.