Mexico: Strong earthquake kills dozens

[Dashinka 24,799]

A strong earthquake has struck central Mexico, killing at least 48 people and toppling dozens of buildings in the capital, Mexico City, officials say.

The capital's airport has suspended operations after the 7.1 magnitude quake, and buildings across the city have been evacuated.

People were feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings as rescue teams rushed to the hardest-hit areas.

Earlier this month, a strong 8.1 magnitude tremor left at least 90 dead.

The epicentre of the quake was next to Atencingo in Puebla state, some 120km (75 miles) from Mexico City, with a depth of 51km, the US Geological Survey said.

At least 42 people were killed in Morelos state, south of the capital, the governor said on Twitter. Four died in Mexico City and two others in Mexico state.

The tremor happened as an earthquake drill was being held in Mexico City, on the 32nd anniversary of a quake that killed up to 10,000 people.

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-41327593

[TBoneTX 46,125]

Terrible.  Earthquakes, hurricanes, and himmicanes suck.

[Dashinka 24,799]

2 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Terrible.  Earthquakes, hurricanes, and himmicanes suck.

Agreed, I heard the earth toll has increased to over 200, sad.  I was researching this a bit last evening and never realized why Mexico City seemed to be so susceptible to earthquake damage.  Apparently, much of Mexico City is built over an old lake bed and the soil is quite conducive to amplifying an earthquake's vibrations and liquefaction.  There is also an anomaly where buildings between 6 and 15 stories are even more susceptible to collapse due to their natural vibration frequency furthur amplifying the effects.

[TBoneTX 46,125]

Interesting -- is that ALL buildings within that floorage range, or those constructed of certain materials, or what?

Sadly, it matters little what the construction materials were when they all fall on top of you...

[Dianalorena 1,153]

It's horrible. Second earthquake after the one in Oaxaca and the dead toll keeps rising. 

I missed it for literally one day, but being back in Mexico City the feeling is indescribable 

heading back to my parents in Cancun for a few weeks and then working up north, so it wasn't my plan to stay here but still, I'm in shock.

 

so many earthquakes, hurricane, typhoons... 

[Dianalorena 1,153]

13 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Interesting -- is that ALL buildings within that floorage range, or those constructed of certain materials, or what?

Sadly, it matters little what the construction materials were when they all fall on top of you...

It's how they were built. A lot of older buildings are not designed with materials that can sustain the damage and collapse.we have higher, newer buildings designed with materials flexible enough to "whiplash" so to speak. 

 Previous earthquakes also created damage and they feel horrible on those old buildings 

[TBoneTX 46,125]

Si, ma'am.  In Chile or someplace, all new construction has to be of a quality that will withstand earthquakes.  That's a good idea that will pay off later.  As in Mexico, it doesn't help the poor people or existing businesses in the older buildings...