Charter activations

20 September 2017

Earthquake in Mexico

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Type of Event:	Earthquake
Location of Event:	Mexico
Date of Charter Activation:	2017-09-20
Time of Charter Activation:	03:00
Time zone of Charter Activation:	UTC+02:00
Charter Requestor:	UNITAR-UNOSAT on behalf of UNOCHA
Activation ID:	555
Project Management:	UNITAR / UNOSAT

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Mexico on 19 September. The epicentre of the powerful earthquake was approximately 3 miles east-northeast of San Juan Raboso and 34 miles south-southwest of the city of Puebla, and 75 miles from Mexico City.

The capital city was particularly affected by the earthquake, where almost half of the casualties took place. Many people were trapped under collapsed buildings and rescuers have spent days searching for survivors. The President reported that several children were killed and many more went missing as a result of a school collapse.

Emergency workers, military personnel, and volunteers are searching through rubble to recover survivors. Over 2 million people in the capital were left without electricity and phone lines.

In addition to Mexico City, the states of Morelos, Puebla, Guerrero and Oaxaca have also been affected and a second 6.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Oaxaca on 23 September, further disrupting rescue operations.

Earlier in September an 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico, killing 90 people, but it is believed that there is no connection between these two earthquakes.

Products

Damage assessment of Cuautepec Madero

Source: WorldView-2

Acquired: 26/09/2017

Copyright: WorldView-2 © DigitalGlobe Inc.
Map produced by Autonomous University of the State of Mexico

Damage assessment of Capultitlan

Source: WorldView-2

Acquired: 26/09/2017

Copyright: WorldView-2 © DigitalGlobe Inc.
Map produced by Autonomous University of the State of Mexico

Damage assessment of Xochimilco and Tlahua Municipalities

Source: WorldView-2

Acquired: 20/09/2017

Copyright: WorldView-2 © DigitalGlobe Inc.
Map produced by UNITAR/UNOSAT based on results provided by the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico

Damage assessment of Mexico City

Source: WorldView-2 / Pleiades

Acquired: WorldView-2: 20/09/2017 and 26/09/2017
Pleiades: 22/09/2017

Copyright: WorldView-2 © DigitalGlobe Inc.
Pleiades © CNES (2017) - Distribution: Airbus Defence and Space, all rights reserved
Map produced by UNITAR/UNOSAT based on results provided by the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico