Journey Mexico Southern Mexico Earthquake Update, September 8, 2017 7:00 PM
We at Journey Mexico are grateful for the outpouring of support and concern that we have received from our friends, clients, partners and suppliers from around the globe today. As you know, a magnitude 8.1 earthquake occurred off the coast of southern Mexico (Chiapas) in the wee hours of Thursday night; we have spent much of the day gathering information from each of our regions of operation. Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, we can thankfully report that our current guests, staff and supplier partners are all safe. Our hotel partners in the country have reported only minor damage and all remain open and fully operational. The main roads and highways, airports, tourist areas, and public services, like water and electricity, are all fully functional. Below are regional updates for the main tourism destinations within the impact zone in Southern Mexico.
STATE OF CHIAPAS UPDATE:
San Cristóbal de Las Casas– The city of San Cristobal reports light damage in the wake of the earthquake. While hotels, schools, hospitals and most public buildings did not suffer damage, several older churches and colonial buildings have cracks and are under review by local authorities. In particular, the well known church of Zinacantan is closed for inspection. During the earthquake, the city and several surrounding areas lost power, but this has been restored. All roads, airports and services are open and operating normally.
Sumidero Canyon– The region reports no damage and all roads are open and operating normally.
Tuxtla Gutierrez- The region reports minor damage and all roads, airports and services are open and operating normally.
Villahermosa- The region reports minor damage and all roads, airports and services are open and operating normally. During the earthquake there was a short power outage but power has been restored. Several buildings are under inspection by local authorities for cracks and damage and are closed until cleared.
Palenque– The region reports no damage and all roads are open and operating normally.
Pijijiapan Coast- The coastal town of Pijijiapan is 123 km south west of the epicenter of the 8.1 magnitude earthquake. This remote village was severely damaged and local authorities are working hard to rescue residents and stabilize local infrastructure.
STATE OF OAXACA UPDATE:
Oaxaca City- The mountain city of Oaxaca has reported minimal damage after the earthquake. The hotels, schools and other public buildings have been inspected by local authorities and have so far been reported all safe and clear. Schools were closed today due to building inspections but will open Monday as usual. All highways are open. There are no power outages. The airport is open and operating normally.
Valles Centrales- The small crafts villages around Oaxaca City are all operating normally and report minimal to no damage.
Sierra Norte- The mountainous region around Oaxaca City reports no damage and all roads are open.
Puerto Escondido/ Huatulco: In the resort towns of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, the community reports no damage or disruption. The airport is open and travelers have been arriving all day. Local authorities have sent teams to inspect hotels, schools and other public buildings for damage and all reports are clear. All highways are open. There was one closure due to a landslide on the road to Masunte where travelers often visit a sea turtle conservation project however this is being cleared and should resume normal operations. There are no power outages in this part of the coast.
Southern Coastal Oaxaca: There have been reports of damage from smaller coastal towns in the remote region of Istmo, Southern Oaxaca. In particular, the town of Juchitán de Zaragoza was severely damaged and local authorities are working hard to rescue residents and stabilize local infrastructure.
MEXICO CITY UPDATE:
México City- The capital city was largely unaffected by the earthquake and aftershocks that continued throughout the day. While many restaurants, offices, schools and shops were closed today for precautionary measures, the touristic community reports no damage or disruption to tours for the rest of the weekend. The airport is open and operating normally. Local authorities have inspected hotels, schools and other public buildings for damage and all reports are clear. All highways are open. Museums, archeological sites and churches are now open and operating normally.
Cuernavaca- This region around Mexico City reports no damage and all roads are open.
Puebla- This region reports no damage and all roads are open.
