Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca – On August 2, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake rattled Oaxaca City, leaving one of its most iconic landmarks in need of urgent repair. Plaza Alcalá Closed After Structural Damage on the Tourist Promenade after several bricks detached from its historic façade. The falling debris struck a 16-year-old passerby, who suffered minor injuries and was treated at a nearby clinic.
Plaza Alcalá Closed After Structural Damage
Municipal authorities acted swiftly. Safety and Civil Protection teams cordoned off the area late Saturday afternoon and declared the plaza off-limits to both pedestrians and drivers. In a statement, the city government explained that a “comprehensive structural assessment” must confirm the building’s integrity before any reopening.
Residents and shopkeepers along the Promenade watched as inspectors placed warning tape around the damaged sections. Tour guides diverted their groups to nearby plazas, while vendors temporarily paused business. The city emphasized that public safety remains its top priority.
Inspectors Assess Historic Façade
Experts from the Urban Planning Institute arrived Sunday morning to begin detailed evaluations. They inspected the mortar joints and load-bearing walls, looking for hidden cracks and weakened supports. Preliminary checks focused on the upper cornice where most of the detachment occurred.
“Before we allow foot traffic again, we need clear proof the structure meets safety standards,” said a Civil Protection official on condition of anonymity. The inspection team will test brick adhesion and may use ground-penetrating radar to detect unseen damage. City engineers plan to complete their initial report by midweek.
Community Reacts to Closure
Local business owner María Torres voiced concern about lost revenue. Her café sits just steps from the plaza entrance. “Tourists come here for the view and the history. Without access, many will skip our shops,” she said. Still, Torres agreed that safety comes first and praised the quick response by authorities.
Longtime resident Jorge Méndez recalled past quakes that shook the city but left Plaza Alcalá largely untouched. “This plaza has stood for decades without serious harm. It’s sad to see part of it come down now,” he said. Both neighbors and visitors expressed hope the repairs will restore the landmark’s charm.
Next Steps and Timeline
City engineers will submit their full findings in writing, outlining any reinforcement or restoration work needed. Once the assessment clears the building, municipal crews will begin repairs. Officials estimate that if no major flaws emerge, Plaza Alcalá could reopen to the public by late August.
In the meantime, the city is exploring temporary pedestrian walkways that bypass the Plaza’s blocked sections. Local artists have even proposed a mural on protective scaffolding to brighten the area during repairs. Civil Protection urges everyone to respect the cordons and to report any further falling debris immediately.
As aftershocks continue to ripple through Oaxaca, the closure of this celebrated square underscores the quake’s impact on everyday life. For now, safety dictates the pace of recovery—and the city waits for final approval before welcoming visitors back to this historic site.
