What Happened In Mexico City? The 7.1 magnitude earthquake on September 19, 2017, caused significant damage, and this article provided by gaymexico.net delves into its effects, resilience efforts, and future trends, particularly focusing on the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico City during and after the disaster. Join us as we explore the key challenges and resources available, fostering a deeper understanding and promoting safety for everyone. Discover the LGBTQ+ safety travel tips, community support programs, and disaster preparedness.
1. What Was The Disaster DNA of the Mexico City Earthquake?
The Mexico City earthquake of September 19, 2017, was an intraplate earthquake, a type less common but historically present in the region since the 1970s, which occurred approximately 120 km from Mexico City at a depth of 57 km, resulting in the collapse of buildings and damage to infrastructure. This earthquake, distinct for its intensified trembling as seismic waves moved away from the epicenter, measured a magnitude of 7.1 and led to the tragic loss of at least 326 lives, with 187 deaths in Mexico City.
1.1. What Was the Extent of the Damage in Mexico City?
The earthquake caused widespread damage in Mexico City, particularly affecting single-family homes and residential neighborhoods near the city center. Multi-story buildings collapsed, and over 20,000 homes, schools, and hospitals sustained damage, disproportionately impacting working- and middle-class families.
Several factors contributed to the collapse of buildings, including:
- Inadequate structural support: Insufficient reinforcement in concrete columns.
- Construction on soft soils: Unstable ground conditions due to the city’s location on a former lakebed.
- Land subsidence: Sinking of land due to intensive extraction of groundwater.
- Urban design and construction flaws: Deficiencies in building design and construction practices.
1.2. How Did Vulnerability Factors Influence the Earthquake’s Impact on Mexico City?
Despite Mexico City’s economic status, approximately 27.5% of its population lives in poverty, leading to income inequality and limited access to formal employment for many residents, like street vendors and small business owners. This financial instability made it difficult for residents to afford earthquake insurance, which is already uncommon.
A significant number of homes in Mexico (34.8%) and Mexico City (23.6%) have irregular ownership status, lacking proper deeds or having ownership registered incorrectly, further complicating recovery efforts after the earthquake.
1.3. What Resilience Factors Helped Mitigate the Earthquake’s Impact in Mexico City?
Several factors contributed to the lower death toll in 2017 compared to the 1985 earthquake. One factor was that the 2017 earthquake occurred during the day, when many people were in the city center, whereas the 1985 earthquake occurred in the morning when people were at home. Additionally, Mexico City’s building codes have improved over time, requiring buildings to be more earthquake-resistant.
The city’s growing population, however, increases earthquake vulnerability, highlighting the importance of analyzing earthquake risks and events for better physical and social resilience. Good governance is essential for implementing effective city-wide earthquake resilience measures, enabling Mexico and other countries to prevent earthquakes from becoming disasters.
2. How Has Mexico City’s Building Code Evolved Since 1920?
Mexico City’s building code has undergone significant changes since its creation in 1920, with the introduction of seismic design regulations following the 1957 earthquake. These regulations were further enhanced in 1966 and 1976, with major revisions in 1987, 2004, and 2022 after the devastating 1985 earthquake. At the time of the 2017 earthquake, the 2004 code was in effect.
2.1. What Were The Key Changes After the 1985 Earthquake?
The 1985 earthquake led to the creation of new institutions such as the National Civil Protection System, the National Disaster Prevention Centre, and the Seismic Instrumentation and Registration Centre. Additionally, regulations and construction standards were updated, information campaigns were launched, and earthquake drills became common practice.
2.2. How Did the 2017 Earthquake Influence Mexico City’s Risk Management?
The 2017 earthquake caused more damage to low- and medium-rise buildings than the 1985 earthquake, especially in the transition zone. In response, Mexico City established the Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection System and passed the Law on Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection, which has been updated since.
2.3. Why Is Land-Use Planning Crucial for Minimizing Disaster Risks in Mexico City?
Effective land-use planning is crucial for minimizing disaster risks, and Mexico City must enforce zoning laws and regulations to ensure new developments are constructed in safe areas while protecting existing infrastructure and the environment. Integrated disaster risk management requires sustained effort, involving local government, science and technology communities, residents, youth, women, businesses, and civil society organizations.
3. What Future Trends Could Influence Disaster Risks in Mexico City?
Several future trends could influence disaster risks in Mexico City.
3.1. How Might Population Growth Impact Mexico City’s Vulnerability?
Over the next decade, the population in Mexico City’s outskirts is expected to grow by an average of 1.1% per year. This growth will likely lead to an increase in informal housing construction for the poor, accompanied by unstable or poorly planned infrastructure such as aqueducts and pipelines, increasing the risk of landslides during earthquakes.
3.2. How Does Insurance Coverage Affect Disaster Recovery in Mexico City?
Following the 2017 earthquake, an insurance scheme was developed between Swiss Re and the Mexico City government, protecting the city government from losses exceeding its own disaster fund for earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.5 or more. The insurance automatically covers homeowners who meet specific requirements, such as having fully paid their property taxes at the time of the event, creating a strong incentive for tax compliance and boosting the city’s revenues. However, informal settlements are not covered by this scheme.
3.3. How Does Groundwater Extraction Affect Land Stability in Mexico City?
Rapid urban growth is draining groundwater more quickly than it can be replenished, causing subsidence and massive sinkholes in the city’s eastern boroughs such as Iztapalapa, Xochimilco, and Tlahuac. Hundreds of houses in these boroughs were damaged on September 19, 2017, when the porous soil under them shifted. With a warming planet, the overuse of water resources will likely increase.
3.4. What Are the Potential Economic Impacts of Future Earthquakes in Mexico City?
Approximately 2.5 million workers in Mexico City reside in informal settlements within high seismic risk zones, representing around 47% of the total workforce in Mexico City. Considering the economic losses related to internal displacement of the employed population, Mexico lost an estimated $160 million in economic production due to the September 2017 earthquake.
4. What Forensic Learning Can Be Applied to Future Disaster Prevention in Mexico City?
Learning from past events and future trends is crucial for improving disaster prevention and enhancing disaster risk management in Mexico City.
| People | Planet | Prosperity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning from the past | Mexico City has regularly updated its building codes since the 1985 earthquake, reducing building collapses during seismic events. Implementation of earthquake drills and public awareness campaigns has prepared residents for seismic events, improving their response during disasters. Risk communication and EW have improved, but large parts of the population do not adequately understand the information, leaving them vulnerable in case of emergency. | Regular monitoring of environmental changes, such as subsidence and soil stability, has been crucial in predicting and mitigating earthquake damage. Excessive extraction of groundwater has contributed to land subsidence, exacerbating the impacts of earthquakes. | While public buildings are covered by insurance, the coverage of residential housing is far less. Many residential buildings occupied by poorer people around the city center are considered “informal” and do not adhere to building codes or have insurance. Development of economic recovery frameworks post-earthquake has facilitated quicker rebuilding and economic stabilization. Investments in retrofitting older buildings and constructing new ones to high safety standards have minimized earthquake damage and losses. |
| Resilient features | Improved building codes and construction standards reduced building collapses during the earthquake. Public awareness campaigns and regular drills enhanced community preparedness and response. Strong community networks and volunteer groups facilitated immediate rescue efforts. High poverty rates and income inequality exacerbated the impact of the earthquake on marginalized communities. | Soil stability monitoring helped predict areas at risk, aiding mitigation efforts. Green spaces and parks provided emergency assembly points and reduced urban heat. Excessive extraction of groundwater in informal settlements jeopardized the safety of the land where housing is located. Insufficient land-use planning allowed for construction in high-risk areas prone to landslides and flooding. | Retrofitting of older buildings reduced damage, emphasizing long-term resilience investment. Economic recovery frameworks facilitated rapid stabilization of the local economy. Informal economy workers lacked social protection and faced significant economic losses. Delayed restoration of critical infrastructure hampered economic recovery efforts. |
| To inform the future | Understand the alert system and stay informed about early warning signals. Enhance consciousness about building codes and ensure that any property purchased or built complies with seismic safety standards. Avoid informal self-construction and promote strict adherence to building regulations. | Implement rapid solutions to ensure access to drinking water in informal communities. Replace old water systems drainage and implement innovative solutions in new informal settlements. Create legislation on proper management of disaster material. Monitor and track new informal constructions in non-urbanized areas with high environmental disaster risks. Generate policies for relocation and access to housing or economic policies. | Implement social and monetary assistance for improving constructions / housing assistance in informal areas without earthquake building codes. Generate economic policies that promote wealth generation outside of large urban centers and reduce internal migration. Conceptualize a comprehensive land use plan that promotes comprehensive economic and social development for Mexico City and its surrounding provinces, accompanied by measures to integrate different municipal bodies. |
5. How Did the LGBTQ+ Community Fare During The Earthquake in Mexico City?
While specific data on the LGBTQ+ community’s experiences during the 2017 earthquake is limited, they likely faced the same challenges as other vulnerable populations, such as limited access to resources and support. Discrimination and social stigma may have further compounded these challenges.
5.1. What Unique Challenges Might the LGBTQ+ Community Face During Disasters in Mexico City?
The LGBTQ+ community in Mexico City might encounter unique challenges during disasters, including:
- Discrimination in shelters: Experiencing prejudice or exclusion in emergency shelters.
- Lack of targeted support: Absence of specific resources or assistance tailored to their needs.
- Social stigma: Facing stigma or discrimination that hinders their ability to access help.
5.2. How Can LGBTQ+ Organizations Help During and After Disasters in Mexico City?
LGBTQ+ organizations can play a crucial role in providing support during and after disasters by:
- Advocating for inclusive policies: Ensuring that disaster relief efforts are inclusive and equitable.
- Offering safe spaces: Creating safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek shelter and support.
- Providing targeted resources: Offering resources and assistance tailored to the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
6. What Resources Are Available for the LGBTQ+ Community in Mexico City?
Several organizations in Mexico City provide support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community, including:
- All Out: An international organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Human Rights Watch: An organization that investigates and reports on human rights abuses around the world.
- Letra S: A Mexican organization working to promote the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
7. How Can Gaymexico.net Help LGBTQ+ Travelers Prepare for Disasters in Mexico City?
Gaymexico.net can provide valuable information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers to help them prepare for disasters in Mexico City.
7.1. What Information Can Gaymexico.net Offer About Disaster Preparedness for LGBTQ+ Travelers?
Gaymexico.net can offer practical advice on disaster preparedness, including:
- Emergency contacts: Providing a list of emergency contacts and resources.
- Safe spaces: Identifying LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and organizations that can offer support.
- Communication strategies: Recommending communication strategies to stay connected with loved ones.
7.2. How Can Gaymexico.net Promote LGBTQ+ Safety and Well-being in Mexico City?
Gaymexico.net can promote LGBTQ+ safety and well-being by:
- Sharing safety tips: Providing tips on how to stay safe in Mexico City.
- Promoting LGBTQ+ events: Highlighting LGBTQ+ events and gatherings that offer a sense of community.
- Advocating for inclusivity: Promoting inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Mexico City.
8. What Are Some LGBTQ+ Safety Travel Tips for Visiting Mexico City?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico City, LGBTQ+ travelers should consider the following tips:
- Research LGBTQ+ Laws and Customs: Understand local laws and customs related to LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Use LGBTQ+-Friendly Resources: Utilize LGBTQ+-friendly travel guides and resources.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid risky situations.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.
- Connect with Local LGBTQ+ Organizations: Reach out to local LGBTQ+ organizations for support and information.
9. What Are Some Steps LGBTQ+ Travelers Can Take to Prepare for an Earthquake in Mexico City?
Preparing for an earthquake in Mexico City involves similar steps for all individuals, with additional considerations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Develop an Emergency Plan: Create a detailed emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and meeting points.
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies such as food, water, medication, and a first-aid kit.
- Identify Safe Places: Locate safe places in your accommodation and throughout the city where you can take shelter during an earthquake.
- Learn Basic First Aid: Acquire basic first aid skills to assist yourself and others in case of injuries.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates and warnings.
- Communicate with Loved Ones: Keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts and emergency plans.
10. How Can We Build a More Resilient and Inclusive Mexico City?
Building a more resilient and inclusive Mexico City requires a collaborative effort from government, organizations, and individuals, including:
- Investing in infrastructure: Ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are earthquake-resistant.
- Promoting education and awareness: Educating the public about earthquake preparedness and safety measures.
- Supporting vulnerable communities: Providing targeted support to vulnerable communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
- Fostering inclusivity and acceptance: Creating a society that is inclusive and accepting of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
10.1. What Role Does Community Engagement Play in Building Resilience in Mexico City?
Community engagement is essential for building resilience in Mexico City. By involving local residents in disaster preparedness and risk reduction efforts, the city can create a more informed and prepared community.
10.2. How Can We Ensure That Disaster Relief Efforts Are Equitable and Inclusive in Mexico City?
To ensure that disaster relief efforts are equitable and inclusive in Mexico City, it is important to:
- Prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities: Focus on providing support to those who are most at risk.
- Engage community leaders: Involve community leaders in the planning and implementation of disaster relief efforts.
- Provide culturally sensitive assistance: Offer assistance that is culturally sensitive and respectful of local customs.
- Monitor for discrimination: Actively monitor for discrimination and ensure that all individuals have equal access to resources and support.
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