 Ruins of a temple in Teocelo | |
  | |
| UTC time | 1920-01-04 04:22:16 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 912397 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 3 January 1920 |
| Local time | 22:25 CST |
| Magnitude | Mw 6.3–6.4 |
| Depth | 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) |
| Epicenter | 19°16′N 97°05′W / 19.27°N 97.08°W[1] |
| Type | Normal |
| Areas affected | |
| Max. intensity | MMI XII (Extreme) |
| Aftershocks | continued until April 1920 |
| Casualties | 648–4,000 killed |
A moment magnitude 6.3–6.4 earthquake affected the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt in the states of Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico on 3 January at 22:25 CST.[2] A maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of XI–XII (Extreme) was assigned in the epicenter, between Chilchotla and Patlanalán. Its aftershocks were recorded by a seismograph yielding data that suggested the mainshock originated within the Earth's crust. Earthquakes beneath the volcanic belt, although infrequent, pose a significant threat due to their proximity to highly populated towns. Their rarity, with return periods of several thousand years also mean past seismic-hazard zoning projects have classified the region as non-hazardous. These earthquakes are caused by normal faulting which may have been identical to the one involved in 1920. They are the result of ongoing extension within the volcanic belt which are accommodated by normal faults.
The earthquake killed between 648 and 4,000 people; many deaths were attributed to mudslides that swept through several settlements along the Huitzilapa and Pescado rivers. Many buildings, especially the masonry kind, were badly damaged or totally ruined. The towns of Patlanalá, Barranca Grande, Cosautlán, Quimixtlán and Teocelo were severely affected. Wooden jacales generally performed well during the earthquake but some were destroyed. The total cost of damage was estimated at US$25 million.
The Veracruz government took immediate action in the aftermath—providing assistance and establishing communication services. Governor Cándido Aguilar formed a disaster relief board and travelled to several towns to participate in distributing resources. The devastated towns of Xalapa, Coatepec, Cosautlán, Coscomatepec, Patlanalá, Quimixtlán, Huatusco and Ayahualco were given funds for reconstruction. The Bishop of Veracruz, Rafael Guízar y Valencia, also assisted in the relief efforts and N$20,000 in donations. Civil society groups and civilians also participated in relief efforts through joining relief committees and raising funds. Meanwhile, the newspapers overdramatized their reports and falsely claimed that volcanoes in the area were erupting. However, some organised fundraising or promoted relief efforts; eventually, more than N$300,000 were raised.