Mexico City, Feb 21 (RHC)-- Authorities in Oaxaca, Mexico are asking for an emergency fund to help rebuild towns most affected by last week's earthquake.  A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Oaxaca on Friday, with its epicenter close to Pinotepa Nacional and Santiago Jamiltepec, where about 50 homes were damaged, as well as a church and a government building.  Juchitan, a small town near the coast, was also badly destroyed.  No deaths were reported in both instances. 
 
Oaxaca has been one of the most damaged states since the 8.2 magnitude earthquake occurred on September 7, 2017, the largest registered in Mexico.  The series of earthquakes in Mexico, which started in September and continued with the most recent major earthquake last Friday, has caused severe damage to infrastructure and left thousands homeless, especially in the southern states and rural areas. 

Reconstruction and aid efforts are constantly challenged by new quakes in different regions, often leaving towns completely forgotten.  Now, the state is requesting emergency funds to supply food, shelter and health services in more than 30 municipalities that are still recovering from the September 2017 earthquakes.  At least 1,000 homes were damaged, according to Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat. 

Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera Espinosa said rebuilding would take up to six years after the city was struck by a 8.2 magnitude earthquake last September, leaving more than 300 dead.  Mancera said the city has already replaced 77 kilometers of water pipes and 32 kilometers of sewage pipes in the Tlahuac and Xochimilco delegations, with 341 million pesos of investment ($18.3 million).  “This is a unique work commitment with the government and a work and loyalty commitment towards the people in Mexico City,” said Mancera. 

The early alarm system in Mexico City has been activated twice in February (on the 16th and 19th), giving people a 72 and 80 seconds advantage so they could take safety measures.  In Oaxaca, the alarm activated just a few seconds ahead of the earthquake.