Mexico: Mexico City airport resumes operations Sep. 19 /update 3

Event

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, as the city recovers from the 7.1-magnitude earthquake the struck earlier in the day. President Enrique Peña Nieto confirmed that at least 27 buildings have collapsed in Mexico City. The Federal Electricity Commission announced that at least 3.8 million residents were without power as of 14:30. Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera confirmed that at least four people died in the city, but the number is likely to rise as more information is released.

The governor of Morelos state announced at approximately 15:40 (local time) that at least 42 people are dead after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake caused damages in the area on September 19. Officials in Puebla and Mexico states also reported two fatalities in each state. Officials confirmed that at least 61 people have died in all areas impacted by the quake.

Recovery efforts are ongoing and further details are still emerging. Aftershocks remain possible, and could cause further damage.

Context

The earthquake hit at approximately 14:14. 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.