Mexico City Shaken by Major Earthquake on Anniversary of Two Previous Tremors
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Mexico City was shaken by a major earthquake on Tuesday afternoon, August 21. The tremor struck at 2:14 pm local time, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and shook for around two minutes in the region of Puebla state, which is located east of Mexico City.
What happened
A major earthquake hit Mexico City on the anniversary of two previous tremors, causing widespread damage and leaving at least 225 people dead. The 7.1 magnitude quake struck about 80 miles southeast of the capital, just as residents were commemorating the 1985 earthquake that killed thousands.
Buildings swayed for several minutes and many collapsed, with hundreds of people trapped in the rubble. Rescue workers are still searching for survivors, but the death toll is expected to rise.
This is a devastating blow for a city that is still recovering from the September 19th earthquake that killed 370 people and destroyed or damaged over 5,000 buildings. Our thoughts are with the people of Mexico City during this difficult time.
Developments
As of late Wednesday night, rescuers were still searching for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings in Mexico City. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck on the 32nd anniversary of a 1985 quake that killed thousands. It was also the second major earthquake to hit Mexico in just two weeks.
At least 225 people have been confirmed dead, and the number is expected to rise. More than 3,000 have been injured, and dozens remain missing. Hundreds of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including schools, office buildings, and homes.
The Mexican government has deployed thousands of troops and rescue workers to the affected areas, and many international aid organizations are also working to assist. The United Nations has released $15 million from its emergency relief fund to help with the response effort.
If you are in the affected area or have family or friends there, please let us know how you are doing in the comments below.
Why the earthquake was so powerful
The earthquake that struck Mexico City on the morning of September 19th was particularly powerful for a few reasons. First, it hit on the anniversary of two previous major earthquakes that struck the city in 1985 and 2017. Second, it was a so-called "reverse fault" earthquake, meaning that the force of the quake was pushing up against the land, rather than downward like most earthquakes.
This resulted in widespread damage throughout the city, with buildings collapsing, roads buckling, and water and gas lines rupturing. The death toll is still being tallied, but it is expected to be high given the extent of the damage.
For those who lived through the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes, this latest one was a stark reminder of how vulnerable the city is to seismic activity. It also highlights the need for better building codes and infrastructure to protect against future quakes.
Will there be more earthquakes?
As Mexico City residents recover from the damage caused by this week's major earthquake, many are wondering if more tremors are on the way.
This week's earthquake occurred on the anniversary of two previous earthquakes that struck Mexico City in 1985 and 2017. Some believe that this could be a sign that more quakes are on the way.
Experts say that it is difficult to predict whether or not another earthquake will strike Mexico City soon. However, they advise residents to be prepared for the possibility of more tremors.
If another earthquake does hit Mexico City, it is important to be aware of the dangers that can occur during and after a quake. These include collapsing buildings, power outages, and fires. It is also important to have a plan in place so that you know what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.
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