Background on the 19S Earthquake and Its Impact
On September 19, 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Puebla, causing severe damage in Mexico City. Thousands of homes collapsed or became uninhabitable, leading to the creation of the capital’s reconstruction program, which has yet to be completed eight years after the disaster.
Current Status of Housing Reconstruction
According to the Secretariat of Housing in Mexico City, by the end of 2025, approximately 95% of the rehabilitation and reconstruction work will be completed, with full completion expected by early 2026. The program is projected to invest over 14,000 million pesos.
The report also notes that 298 housing units have been relocated to different sites due to unmitigable geological conditions, such as cracks and fractures that posed a risk to residents’ lives.
Reconstruction as a Government Housing Policy
The reconstruction process following the 19S earthquake has become a central aspect of Mexico City’s housing policy. Clara Brugada, the head of government, emphasized that addressing seismic risks and prevention will remain priorities.
“One of the fundamental axes of housing in this administration is reconstruction and attention to affected areas by earthquakes,” Brugada stated. She hinted that an announcement for addressing delayed housing damage from earthquakes would be made later in the month.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the impact of the 19S earthquake on housing in Mexico City? The earthquake caused severe damage to thousands of homes, leading to the creation of a capital’s reconstruction program.
- What is the current status of housing reconstruction in Mexico City? By the end of 2025, approximately 95% of rehabilitation and reconstruction work is expected to be completed, with full completion by early 2026. The program will invest over 14,000 million pesos.
- Why have some housing units been relocated? Due to unmitigable geological conditions, such as cracks and fractures that posed a risk to residents’ lives, 298 housing units have been relocated.
- How is the Mexico City government addressing housing reconstruction? The head of government, Clara Brugada, has emphasized that addressing seismic risks and prevention will remain priorities. An announcement for addressing delayed housing damage from earthquakes is expected later in the month.
