1920 Xalapa earthquake
The 1920 Xalapa earthquake was the deadliest in Mexico's history prior to 1985—killing at least 648 people. It occurred on January 3 at 22:25 local time, during a period of political unrest in the country. Mudflows and landslides triggered by the shock destroyed buildings in rural towns across the states of Veracruz and Puebla, causing most of the deaths. The earthquake was attributed to a shallow fault in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It measured moment magnitude 6.3–6.4 and had a hypocenter depth of <. The Mexican government took immediate action in the aftermath—providing assistance and establishing communication services. Severely damaged towns including Xalapa were rebuilt, while others had to be abandoned. Help to survivors also came from civil society groups, civilians, and the Catholic Church. The earthquake's aftershocks were studied by scientists to determine its seismological characteristics. Background Mexico underwent significant political, military and social conflicts during the early 20th century. In 1919 and early 1920, the revolution was anticipated to end with President Venustiano Carranza overthrown. Carranza's preference for Ignacio Bonillas and other officials to succeed him brought dissatisfaction within his government. This led to a rebellion against Carranza and the formation of the Plan of Agua Prieta to