Cuándo tembló en México
On September 19, 1985, Mexico City was struck by one of the most devastating earthquakes in the country’s history. Known as the Great Mexico City Earthquake, this catastrophic event occurred at approximately 7:19 a.m. local time, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake had a magnitude of 8.1 on the Richter scale and its epicenter was located near the town of Coatepec, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) away from Mexico City.
The earthquake resulted in the collapse of thousands of buildings, including residential, commercial, and government structures. It also caused significant damage to infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities. The death toll from the earthquake is estimated to be between 9,500 and 30,000 people, with many more injured and displaced.
Several factors contributed to the high number of casualties and damage in Mexico City. The city is built on a soft, sedimentary soil layer known as the “Altiplano,” which has a low seismic resistance. When the earthquake struck, the ground shaking was amplified, leading to the widespread collapse of buildings. Additionally, many structures in the city were not built to withstand strong earthquakes, further exacerbating the damage.
Following the earthquake, the Mexican government and international aid organizations worked tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected. Tens of thousands of people were housed in makeshift shelters, while rescue efforts continued for several days. The earthquake also prompted a significant rebuilding effort, with new building codes and regulations implemented to improve the seismic resilience of the city’s infrastructure.
Twelve years later, on April 19, 1997, Mexico City was once again struck by an earthquake. This time, the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 and its epicenter was located near the town of Colima, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Mexico City. While the death toll was lower than that of the 1985 earthquake, the damage to infrastructure was extensive, particularly in the historic center of the city.
The earthquakes of 1985 and 1997 serve as stark reminders of the vulnerability of Mexico City to seismic activity. They also highlight the importance of preparedness and the implementation of robust building codes and regulations. As Mexico City continues to grow and develop, ensuring the safety of its residents remains a top priority for the government and the people.
