Mexico: Earthquake death toll rises to at least 149 Sep. 19 /update 4

Event

The death toll from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck central Mexico on Tuesday, September 19, has risen to 149 as of 23:00 (local time) on Tuesday. The death toll is expected to rise in coming days as at least 40 buildings in Mexico City alone - and dozens more in adjacent states - collapsed due to the earthquake, trapping a yet unknown number of people under rubble. Among the regions most severely affected by the earthquake are Morelos state (at least 55 people dead), Mexico City (at least 49 dead), Puebla state (at least 32 dead), State of Mexico (at least ten dead), and Guerrero state (at least three dead).

Officials from the Mexico City International Airport (MEX) announced that operations had resumed starting at 16:00 (local time) on Tuesday, September 19. Residual flight delays should be expected throughout the day and into Wednesday, September 20. Some 3.8 million households are without power in central Mexico as of late September 19. A state of disaster in Mexico City was declared by the Mexican federal government, and President Enrique Peña Nieto ordered all hospitals in the area to provide services to the injured. The death toll is anticipated to rise in the coming days; expect significant transportation and infrastructure disruptions in affected areas. Aftershocks are possible, and could cause further damage.

Context

The earthquake - the deadliest to strike the country since 1985 - hit at approximately 13:14 (local time) on Tuesday, September 19. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located 4.5 km (2.8 mi) northeast of the town of Raboso at a depth of 51 km (32 mi). Mexico City suffered serious damages, with thousands of people being evacuated into the streets near Reforma Avenue as a precaution as tremors caused buildings to shake. Significant structural damages have been reported, and multiple buildings reportedly collapsed in the Roma neighborhood.

Tuesday's earthquake comes less than two weeks after another quake in southern Mexico left dozens of people dead.

Advice

All those present in the region are advised to avoid impacted areas. After an earthquake, check for injuries and take note of your surroundings. If indoors, shut off the water, gas, and electricity lines, and evacuate the area. Aftershocks often follow an earthquake and can lead to further damages and loss of life. Individuals already present in areas affected by the earthquake are advised to follow all instructions issued by local authorities. Only use your telephone in case of urgency so as to leave communication lines open for emergency services.

Travelers flying to, through, or from MEX are advised to confirm their flights before leaving for the airport and to contact their airline for further information.