Introduction
In September 2017, one of the most destructive earthquakes in history, with a magnitude of 8.1, occurred in Chiapas, on the west coast of Mexico. The Earth split on the Richter-Carrion border; the catastrophe occurred on a plate known as the Mexican Plate, which is one of the six significant ones of the Earth’s crust. This was the most powerful earthquake since the disaster in 1985. As with most cataclysms, it caused property damage and human casualties.
Discussion
The earthquake caused destruction in the Rio Colorado Valley; several cities were affected, and about 500 buildings were destroyed entirely. Moreover, secondary destruction, such as tsunamis, caused additional damage. The tsunamis caused the sea level to rise on the coast of Salinas, as well as interrupting the flow of Rio Colorado (Fuchs). As a result of the earthquake, more than 65 human lives were lost, more than 200 people were injured, and more than a few hundred of homes and buildings were ruined (Guo). The consequences of the tragedy were almost as harmful as the disaster itself. It posed a threat to human life and created serious problems with food, medicine, and access to help (Shi). As a result, communication and power supply were disrupted, and water supply problems and other problems arose.
Conclusion
The Chiapas earthquake was severe and led to the loss of life and property. Secondary destruction, including tsunamis and shocks, led to subsequent problems with food, water, communication, and power supply. The government and other volunteers took steps to help the victims of the earthquake, but it took time to restore the damage caused by this natural disaster. Such consequences can be minimized through proper preparation and state countermeasures.
Works Cited
Fuchs, Martin, J., et al. “Detection and Analysis of Seismic Induced GNSS Station Motion in a North American Network Following the 2017 Chiapas Earthquake”. Journal of Geodynamics, vol. 149, no. 101881, 2022, Web.
Guo, Rumeng, et al. “Seismic and Aseismic Fault Slip Associated with the 2017 Mw 8.2 Chiapas, Mexico, Earthquake Sequence”. Seismological Research Letters, vol. 90, no. 3, 2019, pp. 1111–1120, Web.
Shi, Kunpeng, et al. “Refined Seismic-Ionospheric Effects: Case Study of Mw 8.2 Chiapas Earthquake on September 7, 2017”. Gps Solutions, vol. 25, no. 3, 2021, Web.