Mexico Commemorates Earthquake Resilience on September 19
Every year, September 19 marks a somber reminder for Mexicans, as it is the anniversary of devastating earthquakes that struck the country in 1985, 2017, and 2022. This date is not only a memorial but also a call to action, as the nation participates in a mega earthquake drill to enhance preparedness for potential seismic events. The 1985 earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 8.1, resulted in approximately 10,000 deaths and significant economic losses exceeding $4 billion. This tragedy prompted the establishment of the National Civil Protection System, a crucial framework for disaster response in Mexico.
The earthquake on September 19, 2017, further deepened the collective trauma of the nation. Occurring shortly after the annual drill, this 7.1 magnitude quake resulted in the deaths of 369 individuals and left over 250,000 homeless. The aftermath saw more than 180,000 homes damaged, with a significant number completely destroyed. The echoes of this disaster resonate through the memories of those who lived through it, as they recount where they were when the earth shook.
In a striking coincidence, another powerful earthquake hit Mexico on September 19, 2022, registering a magnitude of 7.6. This tremor, which was felt strongly in Mexico City, resulted in two fatalities and injuries to ten others, primarily affecting the states of Colima and Michoacán. The recurrence of such significant earthquakes on the same date has led to a heightened sense of anxiety among residents, who often recount their experiences during the annual drills.
Despite the fears associated with earthquakes, statistics from the National Seismological Service reveal that September is not the month with the highest seismic activity in Mexico. From 1957 to 2023, December recorded the most earthquakes, surpassing September by a slight margin. Nevertheless, the memory of the 2017 earthquake remains vivid, as many neighborhoods still bear the scars of that tragic day.
Experts like physicist Victor Manuel Cruz Atienza emphasize the necessity for improved seismic monitoring in Mexico. Comparing the country’s seismological network to that of Japan, he highlights the need for a denser network of observation stations to better predict and respond to earthquakes. Currently, Mexico has significantly fewer stations per square kilometer than Japan, indicating a critical area for development in disaster preparedness and response.
