Severe weather has caused the collapse of a pyramid in Mexico’s Ihuatzio Archaeological Zone, a site historically significant to the Purépecha people.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) attributed the collapse to heavy rains near Lake Pátzcuaro, worsened by prior droughts that cracked the structure, weakening its southern facade.

The pyramid’s cultural importance highlights the need for preservation. Conservation teams are assessing the damage and planning repairs to prevent further deterioration.

For locals, the collapse carries deeper meaning, with some interpreting it as an omen, echoing pre-conquest beliefs. This event underscores the urgent need to protect cultural heritage against natural and climate-related threats.