1985 Mexico Quake Turns 35 Years Today!

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude 8.1 struck the western part of Mexico last September 19, 1985 at 7:19 in the morning. Epicenter was recorded around 250 miles west of the Mexico City from Pacific Coast of Michoacán with the depth of 20km. Though it was miles away from the origin, Mexico City suffered from severe damage. The reported earthquake fatalities not less than 9,500 and 30,000 injured. It was believed that 40,000 is the total fatalities.

Brief check: Mexico City is a plateau region covered by lakes as per history and it is surrounded by volcanoes and mountains.  During the last century, the lake was completely drained, to make room for the housing needs of the growing population of Mexico City.

The city is literally sitting on a basin, on a not so stable footing because the ground underneath is combination of dirt and sand which is so vulnerable when an earthquake strike. After the quake, more than 3,500 establishments completely collapsed due to poor enforcement of building codes.

Mexico's government lead by late President Miguel de la Madrid (1934-2012) first rejected offer of International or Foreign Aid as they believed they can handle the situation in the country. However,A terrible magnitude 7.5 aftershock in the evening of September 20, 1985, almost as severe as the main earthquake, magnified the damage caused by the first quake.