Logistics problems in the aftermath of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake

This article describes the state of the transportation services immediately after the earthquake and discusses the role of the transportation system in the events following the quake. It identifies the major problems faced in the management of the transportation system pertaining to the overall emergency operations and restoration of normalcy. The transportation-related areas discussed are: (1) the street and highway network; (2) traffic devices and control; (3) mass transit; (4) emergency vehicles; and (5) crowd management and shelters. The type of transportation-related decisions faced in the aftermath of the earthquake and the consequent actions taken are also documented herein. The documentation is based on interviews conducted in Mexico, a review of the pertinent literature, and official documents obtained from various Mexican government agencies.