Mexico: Emergency declared for earthquake-hit Oaxaca and Chiapas /update 4

Event

A state of emergency has been declared for the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas following the devastating 8.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on September 7. While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, destruction is known to be widespread; a full damage report is expected by the end of the week.

Some 6000 communities and hundreds of thousands of people are believed to be affected across the two states; at least 98 deaths have been confirmed as of September 12. Various areas remain cut off due to damage to road infrastructure and ongoing aftershocks continue to impede access. More than 1000 aftershocks have been detected since the initial earthquake, whose epicenter was located off the Pacific coast approximately 90 km (55 mi) southwest of Pijijiapan (Chiapas).

Advice

Travelers are advised to postpone nonessential travel to the area until the situation normalizes. Individuals already in the region should be prepared for further aftershocks as well as transportation and other disruptions, and adhere to any advice issued by the local authorities.

During an earthquake, protect your head from falling debris as best you can and only attempt to evacuate if on the ground floor. After a major earthquake, check buildings for damage, including downed power lines or damaged gas lines, and evacuate until the building is declared safe.