|
Energy
Pemex Is World’s Third Most Valuable Oil Company
July 14, 2008
According to figures by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Forbes magazine and Bloomberg, Pemex is the world’s third most valuable oil company, because its price was estimated at some USD 460.6 billion at the end of 1H. Pemex was out valued by Middle Eastern peer Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (which was valued at some USD 467.6 billion) and Venezuelan oil company PDVSA (with an estimated price of USD 696.5 billion). Pemex alone out valued three combined Middle Eastern peers National Iranian Oil Co., Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and Libya National Oil Co.
Construction Of Regasification Plant Starts In Manzanillo
July 15, 2008
The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) announced that the construction of a USD 700 million storage and regasification terminal in Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, has begun. Terminal KMS de GNL consortium, formed by Mitsui, KOGAS and Samsung, will be in charge of the construction of the plant. CFE said that the plant will allow for the handling of up to 500 million cubic feet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per day, starting in 2011 and for 20 years. Gas supply will be made from Peru.
Pemex Awards Contract To Spanish Ship Company Fernando Fernandez Tapias
July 14, 2008
Spanish ship company Fernando Fernandez Tapias announced Pemex has awarded it a USD 200 million contract to build a new fleet of oil tankers. The first ships to be delivered, two 183-meter-long double-hull tankers, are currently being produced in Korea and will have a capacity to transport 52,000 cubic meters of oil in 12 containers.
IEDF Submits Questions For Referendum On Pemex’s Reform
July 16, 2008
Mexico City’s Electoral Institute (IEDF) has submitted to the city’s mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, two questions by experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM) and the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), that will be used at the July 27 public referendum on the oil sector reform. The questions ask for the people’s approval of foreign companies doing oil-related activities that are considered to be a governmental task, as well as for their opinion regarding the passage of oil sector reform initiatives that were debated in Congress.
Industrial Chambers Demand Pemex Give Privileges To Local Firms
July 14, 2008
Representatives from the Maritime Transport Chamber, the Transformation and Construction Industries Chamber and the Civil Engineers Chamber have presented a reform proposal for Pemex, which would give privileges to local companies over foreign firms. Representatives from the said chambers stated that foreign companies have already participated in the national oil sector but have interrupted the productive chain and have contributed to the “continual and persistent dismantling” of the internal industry due to protective governmental policies.
Pemex to Begin Four-Year Efficiency Program
July 14, 2008
Pemex said it will begin a four-year efficiency program to reverse substandard operational results at its refineries. Pemex will start with the Cadereyta refinery and then continue on the rest of the network. Pemex plans to complete reconfiguration projects at the Salamanca, Tula and Salina Cruz refineries by 2015, after starting the program in 2009. Pemex will also invest in pipelines for fuel distribution.
CRE: Increases In Natural Gas Prices To Be Gradual
July 16, 2008
The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) said that increases in the prices of natural gas for homes and middle-size companies will be gradual and start in August. CRE has provided natural gas distributors with a new coverage scheme to replace the current one, which will expire July 31. The increases will be made during a five-year period, and it will have an initial price of USD 7.5 per million of BTUs.
Mexico Plans Two New Pipelines For Large Offshore Oil Fields
July 14, 2008
Pemex plans to start building two new pipelines in October at Ku-Maloob-Zaap, a group of offshore oil and natural gas fields that accounts for a growing percentage of domestic output. One of the pipelines will stretch for 2.1 kilometers and the other, a gas pipeline, will be half a kilometer long, expanding the existing network of pipelines at the fields. Pipeline companies Global Offshore Mexico, Condux, Demar Instaladora y Constructora, Hoc Offshore and Oceanografia have purchased bidding rules for the project.
back to top
Mining
Union Employees, Retirees Tell GMex They Are Not Welcome At Asarco
July 18, 2008
A demonstration by U.S. union United Steelworkers’ (USW) members, retirees and their allies, including workers from other unions and elected local officials, was held at U.S. miner Asarco’s operating sites in Arizona. The said groups are sending Mexican miner Grupo Mexico (GMex) the message that given their poor record of stewardship of Asarco, they are not welcome back in Arizona. GMex placed Asarco, then its subsidiary, in bankruptcy in 2005 to avoid large environmental and asbestos-related liabilities. GMex is now trying to regain control of Asarco through the bankruptcy proceedings.
back to top
Banking, Insurance & Finance
IMSS, Union Sign Agreement
July 15, 2008
The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the institution’s union have signed the Additional Agreement on the Retirement and Pensions of New Income Base Workers to guarantee IMSS financial sustainability. President Calderon has called the agreement historic and patriotic. The agreement will not modify the status of workers who were hired under former pension schemes, and workers that are under the new pension system will not be negatively affected by the agreement. IMSS will also be able to have a more efficient hiring system without having its labor liabilities affected. IMSS also announced that the new agreement would allow it to hire about 20,000 new doctors.
Mexico To Increase Reserve Requirements For Banks
July 16, 2008
The National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) said Mexico will require banks to maintain larger reserves to back up credit card loans amid growing late payments by card users. The government will require that banks hold reserves worth 2.5% of their credit card loan portfolios, up from the current 0.5%. Consumer lending has soared in Mexico in recent years, with growth peaking at nearly 50% in 2005 and 2006.
Afores Have Record High Losses In 11 Years
July 16, 2008
According to pension regulator Consar, pension fund managers’ (Afores) investment vehicles (Siefores) had an average 45.3% loss in June, the highest since the system was implemented 11 years ago. Consar said workers who have their retirement savings in Afores lost MXN 49.3 billion in one month.
Banking Institutions To Provide Credit Cards To Microbusinesses
July 18, 2008
Banking and financing services company MasterCard Worldwide has announced that financial institutions will issue credit cards for microbusinesses such as grocery stores, cafeterias, and general merchandise stores that have been operating for more than five years. MasterCard said that 67% of the said establishments do not use any banking product but will now be able to access some financing, including cash from ATMs.
Wal-Mart Launches Gift Cards To Be Purchased in The U.S., Used In Mexico
July 18, 2008
Wal-Mart Mexico (Walmex) has said it has launched a new business strategy consisting of selling “gift cards” through the Internet to people in the United States but that will be picked up at Wal-Mart stores in Mexico. Gift cards will have values ranging from MXN 50 to MXN 5,000. The strategy currently is in a test phase, but Walmex has said that people have welcomed the program.
back to top
Business & Industry
Grupo Modelo Says It Has Say Over Inbev-Busch Merger
July 14, 2008
Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo said that its agreement with U.S. peer Anheuser-Busch is governed by Mexican law and gives Modelo the right to decide whether or not they will accept the possible acquisition of Anheuser-Busch by Belgian-Brazilian brewer InBev to create the world’s largest beer maker. The statement came after InBev and Anheuser-Busch announced that they had reached a USD 52 billion merger accord. Busch currently owns 50% of Modelo and 27% of Chinese brewer Tsingtao.
Kellogg Invests USD 100 Million In New Plant
July 14, 2008
U.S. cereal maker Kellogg Company’s Mexican unit started the construction of a new USD 100 million plant in Mexicali, in the state of Baja California. The new facility is expected to create 300 direct jobs. Kellogg said the construction will have 23,000 square meters (247,500 square feet) and will be the fourth plant Kellogg has in Mexico. The other plants Kellogg Company has in Mexico are located in the states of Queretaro, the State of Mexico (Edomex) and Nuevo Leon.
International Paper Acquires Weyerhaeuser De Mexico
July 15, 2008
U.S. paper manufacturer International Paper announced it has acquired forest products derivates producer Weyerhaeuser de Mexico’s packing and wrapping unit for some USD 170 million. The deal includes six Weyerhaeuser plants in the State of Mexico (Edomex), two in the state of Veracruz, one in the state of Guanajuato and another one in the state of Nuevo Leon.
back to top
Construction & Infrastructure
FARAC To Be Put Out To Tender In August
July 15, 2008
The Communications and Transport Ministry (SCT) announced that the third offering of the Fund For The Rescue Of Highway Concessions (FARAC) will be ready by August. SCT said that the package includes three roads, two international bridges and two highways in Northeastern Mexico. Sources say that in order to restore the existing 45 FARAC road stretches, investment of some MXN 161.5 billion, an amount equivalent to 1.7% of Mexico’s GDP, would be required.
back to top
Transportation
Embraer Signs Deal With Aeromexico For E190 Jets
July 14, 2008
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (Embraer) announced that it has signed a contract with Mexican airline operator Aeromexico for the delivery of 12 E190 large regional commercial jets. Some 4 of the 12 jets have already been delivered to Aeromexico via a leasing agreement with GE Commercial Aviation Services in November 2007. Each Embraer E190 jet costs some USD 37.5 million.
Bombardier To Make Components For New Aircraft In Mexico
July 15, 2008
Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier said that the electrical system for its new CSeries small passenger jet will be made at the firm’s expanding complex in the state of Queretaro. Bombardier announced in May an investment of USD 250 million in a second aerospace plant in Queretaro for the manufacture of the structure of Bombardier’s next-generation business plane, the Learjet 85.
back to top
Telecommunications & Technology
Mexico Experiences Phone Number Portability Startup Glitches
July 14, 2008
The implementation of number portability in Mexico got off to a bumpy start, with reports of call failures after phone companies migrated their networks to the new system. The Federal Telecommunications Commission (Cofetel) said there had been problems in completing calls, which should be resolved by the end of the month. Starting July 5, consumers could request a change of carrier. Portability, which affects 22 phone companies, is part of President Calderon’s attempt to boost competition in key sectors of the economy, such as telecommunications.
Cisco Linksys Wins SSPDF Tender For Surveillance Video Cameras
July 14, 2008
U.S. telecom company Cisco’s Lynksys subsidiary has won Mexico City’s Public Security Ministry’s (SSPDF) tender to place 8,000 video cameras for surveillance throughout the city. The surveillance cameras are a part of Mexico City’s (DF) Bicentennial Project and are expected to be functional before the end of the year. The surveillance system will be connected to SSPDF’s modules with a “panic button” to ensure immediate attention to any person in need. In addition, 200 booths also featuring a panic button will be installed as part of the project.
back to top
Media & Entertainment
Televisa In Talks To Produce Shows For TV Record
July 18, 2008
Mexican broadcaster Televisa is in talks to produce shows for Brazilian television network TV Record, a move that would give it access to more viewers in Latin America’s biggest economy. The initial stage of the deal calls for Televisa to produce one-hour shows in its evening prime-time slot, Monday to Friday, aiming at young audiences. The agreement would become Televisa’s latest foray in international markets, following deals to produce programs for Chinese and French audiences in their own languages earlier this year.
back to top
Farming & Agriculture
FDA Clears Tomatoes Of Salmonella Risk, Finds Bacteria In Jalapeño Pepper
July 18, 2008
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared that it is again safe to eat all tomatoes now on sale in the United States, canceling its warning in June that some tomatoes were the cause of a still-unsolved outbreak of salmonella poisoning. However, the FDA recently found the bacteria in a jalapeño pepper, which showed up at a south Texas distribution facility and was originated in Mexico; nevertheless, the FDA said it could have been contaminated in a variety of places.
back to top
Hospitality & Tourism
Marriott Signs Four Deals In Mexico, Adding 29 Hotels
July 16, 2008
U.S. hotel operator Marriott International announced it has signed four agreements that would nearly triple its presence in Mexico over the next five years. The deals would add 29 Marriott-branded hotels in Mexico, which would create some 3,000 jobs and represent a total investment of over USD 1 billion. There are currently 16 hotels and resorts in Mexico operating under Marriott brands such as Courtyard, Residence Inn and JW Marriott. The Mexico deals are part of 130,000 new rooms the company expects to add by the year 2010.
back to top
Economy
Banxico: International Currency Reserves Reach New Record High
July 17, 2008
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) has announced it raised by 25% the daily currency auctions for commercial banks from USD 32 million to USD 40 million per day from August 1 to October 31. Banxico said that the raise is based on the constant entry of foreign currency to the country’s international reserves, which reached a USD 86.7 billion record high, due to the income deriving from crude oil exports. Mexico’s benchmark 28-day T-bill yield (Cetes) also reached its highest level since 2005 at 8.02%.
Banxico Raises Interest Rates By Quarter Point To Control Inflation
July 19, 2008
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) is raising interest rates for the second time in less than a month to slow inflation. The bank decided to increase interest rates by a quarter point to 8%; it raised interest rates to 7.75% on June 20. The rate hikes are designed to help slow inflation that hit a pace of 5.26% in June, its highest level in nearly four years. The bank also said it was considering raising its inflation predictions for 2008 to about 3.5% from 3% because of rising fuel and food costs.
back to top
Border & Migration
Sonora, Arizona Reach Deal To Avoid Remittances From Being Confiscated
July 15, 2008
The government of the state of Sonora said it has reached an agreement with the government of Arizona so authorities from the U.S. state stop confiscating remittances that are sent to Sonora. The government of Sonora explained that Arizona authorities will give back funds that were retained from migrants as part of a strategy that was implemented to seize resources allegedly destined for illicit activities.
Obama: It Is Time For U.S. Citizens To Master A Second Language
July 17, 2008
U.S. democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has said recently that U.S. citizens should have their children studying Spanish or another second language, a comment that has drawn an avalanche of criticism from English-only advocates and cable television anti-immigration zealots. Experts have agreed that the proposal is accurate, since U.S. citizens are way behind the rest of the industrialized world in terms of mastering other languages.
Cubans Are Using Mexico As Route To The U.S.
July 18, 2008
U.S. authorities have said that tightened Florida coastal security on smuggling illegal aliens has led to an increase in the detention of Cubans using Mexico as a route to the United States Authorities said that more than 11,500 Cubans made it to the U.S. border from Mexico in 2008, 33% more than the previous year and nearly twice as many as those who arrived via land in 2004. Cubans who physically reach U.S. territory are entitled to legal residency after a short detention. U.S. Coast Guard interceptions of suspected illegal immigrant traffickers are up this year by about 20%.
back to top
Politics
E.U. Commission Proposes Establishing Strategic Partnership With Mexico
July 15, 2008
The European Commission (E.C.) has proposed establishing a Strategic Partnership with Mexico to significantly upgrade bilateral relations. The plan recommending that Mexico be made a “strategic partner” means the E.U. and Mexico would hold summits every two years and cooperate more closely on a number of issues, including immigration, human rights and fighting organized crime and poverty. By considering a “strategic partnership” with Mexico, the E.U. is recognizing the growing leverage of the country in international affairs.
Legislators Demand Interior Ministry Sanction Broadcaster Televisa
July 16, 2008
A permanent commission from the Congress has demanded the Interior Ministry (SEGOB) sanction Mexican broadcaster Televisa for airing images of legislators at which ruling National Action Party’s (PAN) lawmaker Santiago Creel appeared blurry. The commission, composed of legislators from all parties, voted unanimously to demand the sanction. Televisa said that the glitches in the images were editing mistakes.
Creel: Agreement Between PRD, PRI, PAN On Oil Sector Reform Is Possible
July 14, 2008
Santiago Creel, a senator from the ruling National Action Party (PAN), said that it is possible that legislators from PAN and the opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) may reach an agreement on the oil sector reform. Creel said that obtaining PRI’s vote would be enough to have the reform passed but stated that it would be ideal to include the PRD in the decision. Creel said that the parties’ leaders should discuss the proposal to have Congress pass it.
Mexico To Honor U.S. Senator Kennedy For Defense Of Migrants
July 18, 2008
The Mexican Government said it will honor U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy for his defense of immigrant rights. Mexico announced it will award Kennedy the Aguila Azteca (Aztec Eagle), the highest honor the government can bestow on foreign dignitaries. Kennedy will be presented with a sash in Washington. Mexico says the Massachusetts Democrat has denounced injustices against migrants and “highlighted the importance of addressing illegal immigration by looking for an integral solution.”
back to top
Justice, Safety & Crime
U.S., Mexican Ministers Meet On Bilateral Cooperation
July 19, 2008
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff met with Mexican Interior Minister Juan Camilo Mouriño and Foreign Affairs Minister Patricia Espinoza to discuss bilateral cooperation. Chertoff, who is heading a high-level departmental delegation, was on a three-day trip to Mexico. At the meeting, the ministers evaluated the mutual cooperation situation and discussed the importance of fighting common risks to security. The U.S. has recently approved a USD 400 million aid package for Mexico, to help it buy equipment, train agents and coordinate information with United States authorities. The officials also agreed to expand cooperation in curbing weapons trafficking.
World Court Orders U.S. To Halt Executions Of Mexicans
July 16, 2008
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered the United States to “take all the necessary measures” to suspend the executions of five Mexican nationals sitting on death row in Texas. The temporary halt is to allow the ICJ time to examine Mexico’s request for “clarification” of ICJ’s 2004 ruling that U.S. authorities must review the death sentences handed down to 51 Mexican citizens. ICJ President Rosalyn Higgins said the United States would be required to report back to the Court on the steps taken to comply with the injunction. Texas plans to proceed with the executions of the Mexican nationals despite ICJ’s ruling.
Guatemala, Mexico To Increase Security Along Shared Border
July 15, 2008
Guatemala and Mexico will widen a bilateral security plan along their shared border to combat organized crime in the area more efficiently. The agreement was reached when Mexican and Guatemalan interior ministers met in the Guatemalan border city of Tecun Uman. Mexican Interior Minister Juan Camilo Mouriño and his Guatemalan counterpart Francisco Jimenez agreed to upgrade the current border security mechanism to coordinate cooperation in security issues at the border.
Mexico Sends 1,260 Troops To Sinaloa
July 16, 2008
The government has deployed 1,260 additional federal police to the gang-plagued state of Sinaloa. The Public Security Ministry (SSPF) said the deployment brings the number of federal agents in Sinaloa to 2,000. The Pacific coast state is home to the powerful drug cartel of the same name. It has been one of the hardest-hit regions in a surge of violence sweeping Mexico, despite the deployment of 25,000 troops across the country.
Judge Suspends Extradition Of Tijuana Drug Lord To U.S.
July 16, 2008
A judge has suspended the extradition of a Tijuana-based drug cartel leader to the United States. The judge ruled that Benjamin Arellano Felix cannot be sent to the United States for trial until a court rules on the legality of the government’s extradition order. Authorities said that a final decision could take months, if not years. Arellano Felix is wanted in California on five charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, racketeering and organized crime.
Navy Seizes Small Submarine With Drug Shipment On Board
July 16, 2008
The navy seized a makeshift submarine carrying nearly six tons of cocaine off the Pacific coast and arrested its four-man crew. Similar vessels carrying cocaine have been discovered off Colombia and Central America, but navy officials have said this is the first seizure for Mexico. The 30-foot (10-meter) vessel was detected heading north about 200 miles (322 kilometers) off the southern state of Oaxaca. The suspects said they had left the Colombian coastal town of Buenaventura.
Drug Cartels Targeting Specific Politicians With Death Threats
July 17, 2008
Drug cartels are escalating their battle with the government by turning their sights on politicians; the most recent threat target is the governor of the state of Chihuahua. Analysts said the Chihuahua threat was an ominous sign that trafficking groups are seeking to influence new levels of Mexico’s political structure. The cartels have previously been accused of trying to influence municipal elections by contributing to political campaigns and threatening local politicians who refuse to cooperate with them.
Legislators: CISEN’s Accusations Of Drug Money In Elections Is Harmful
July 16, 2008
Legislators from the opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) have said that accusations by Mexico’s intelligence agency CISEN that there is drug money in some elections are harmful and could possibly lead to the dismissal of the oil sector reform. PRI legislators also said that CISEN’s accusations are a response to the PRI's leader at the Senate's comments, as he had said that President Calderon ordered the agency to spy on legislators and have leverage against them to force the passage of the reform. Meanwhile, legislators from the ruling National Action Party (PAN) have defended CISEN’s comments by saying they were a warning rather than accusations.
Police Find Car Bombs, Blame Drug Traffickers
July 16, 2008
Police have said that drug traffickers have built makeshift car bombs to attack police officers, troops and rival smugglers. Soldiers found two car bombs in a safe house in the city of Culiacan, in the state of Sinaloa. One car was packed with cans of gasoline, and another was stuffed with canisters of gas. Both devices were wired to be detonated by cell phones. Drug gangs often carry automatic weapons and wield rocket-propelled grenades, but experts say the use of car bombs would be an escalation in the drug war.
Attacks By Drug Traffickers On Border Patrol Agents Increase
July 19, 2008
According to a U.S. Border Patrol (BP) agent, Mexican drug traffickers have been attacking the agency’s agents in order to control a territory they used to dominate. BPs has said that the rising violence in Mexico has led to an increase in attacks to its agents by 22% compared to incidents from a year earlier. BP also said that migrant smugglers and drug traffickers have begun to operate jointly.
Army Finds 12 Tons Of Marijuana Near Border Crossing
July 18, 2008
Soldiers have confiscated a total of 12 tons of marijuana near a U.S.-Mexico border crossing in the state of Baja California. The commander of the second military region, General Sergio Aponte Polito, said that the first seizure occurred near the Garita de Otay border crossing. After further investigation, the soldiers found nine more tons of marijuana at a home in the Las Torres neighborhood, also near the Otay crossing. Two people were arrested in that operation.
back to top
Health & Science
SEP: 12% Of Mexican High Schoolers Have Used Drugs
July 15, 2008
The Education Ministry (SEP) has released a study showing that 12.2% of the students in the country’s secondary schools have used illegal drugs. SEP said that of the total number of students who have had contact with drugs in Mexico, 33% use them frequently and 77% have only tried them or use them sporadically. The survey covers students between the ages of 15 and 19 and shows that marijuana is the boys’ drug of choice, while girls prefer amphetamines; 37% of students buy banned substances on the street, 33% from friends and 14% get them in their own homes.
back to top
Sports
Cruz Azul Defeats Spain’s Atletico De Madrid, Second Straight Loss In Mexico
July 17, 2008
Mexican football club Cruz Azul obtained a 1-0 victory over Spanish Atletico de Madrid, delivering the Spanish team its second straight loss of its friendly tour of Mexico. Midfielder Edgar Andrade took a shot from outside the box in the 7th minute that beat French goalkeeper Gregory Coupet in a match the “Blue Machine” used as preparation for the upcoming Mexican regular tournament.
back to top
Arts & Culture
Mexico Says 1846 U.S. Soldiers’ Remains Found
July 18, 2008
Mexican archaeologists have found the remains of what appear to be four U.S. soldiers who died in 1846 during the Mexican-American war. Experts said skull and bone measurements, as well as two half-dollar coins and other artifacts found at the site of the Battle of Monterrey, in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, indicate the bodies belong to U.S. war casualties. The National Institute Of Anthropology and History (INAH) said the skeletal remains were uncovered in digs between 1996 and April 2008 but were apparently not announced previously.
Sport, Culture Celebrities Leave Time Capsule Messages Atop DF Cathedral
July 18, 2008
President Calderon replaced a 1791 time capsule discovered atop Mexico City’s (DF) cathedral with a new one containing messages from golf star Lorena Ochoa, novelist Carlos Fuentes and a boy genius. President Calderon read his own message for the time capsule before placing it inside a bell tower in the Metropolitan Cathedral. “The time capsule we are leaving today carries our hope that when it is opened, Mexico will be a safer, more just, more equal, freer, more competitive and more democratic country,” Calderon said.
Soumaya Museum Takes Rodin Exhibit To Argentina
July 16, 2008
Mexican Museum Soumaya, which belongs to Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, took its French artist Auguste Rodin’s “La Era de Rodin” (Rodin’s Era) exhibit to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Attendance at the exhibit during the first 48 hours reached a record high of about 3,000 people. Rodin’s exhibit is currently at Buenos Aires’ Decorative Art Museum (MADBA) and includes 76 pieces owned by Slim as well as some others from the Ponce Art Museum in Puerto Rico.
back to top
Other
NASA Calls For Protection Of Asteroid Impact Zone In Mexico
July 20, 2008
The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is advocating that the Mexican zone of Chicxulub, where 65 million years ago a large meteorite impacted, changing the course of evolution on Earth, be declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). A meteorite calculated to have been 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) in diameter created the Chicxulub crater – a feature 200 kilometers (124 miles) wide – when it struck the spot just at the point in time separating the Cretaceous and Tertiary Periods.
River Overflows, Leaves 3 Dead, 23 Missing
July 19, 2008
At least 3 people were killed and 23 are missing at the central city of Tlaltenango, in the state of Zacatecas. Floodwaters from the Jaloco River rose to a height of two meters (6.5 feet) on some streets and inundated 10 of the 15 neighborhoods in the city. The river overflowed due to heavy rains that fell in the surrounding mountains, where several of its tributaries are located. About 15,000 people were affected by the flooding, while a total of 2,000 houses and 500 vehicles were damaged.
back to top |
