1985 Mexico earthquake

At seven in the morning of September 19, 1985, the capital of Mexico suffered the affections of a movement seismic intensity of 8.1 degrees in the scale by Richter.

In a few minutes thousands of buildings were partially or totally destroyed. According to official estimates, 3,000 people died, but it is estimated that the exact number could be more than 10,000.

The supply of drinking water was paralyzed and more than a million people were without this service for several weeks

Telephone service was interrupted and the only way to communication with the outside were the amateur radio teams.

The reaction of government led by Miguel de la Madrid was slow and ineffective and as a consequence the population civil took the initiative in the tasks of emergency.

The day after tragedy, a new earthquake of 7.5 degrees of intensity and with the same epicenter shook the streets of Mexico D. F. This situation led to the evacuation of 4,000 patients in different hospitals in the city.

Not surprisingly, the inhabitants of the affected areas left their homes in fear of new tremors and settled in parks, squares and other open spaces.

Shelters were organized completely improvised and for several days the survivors waited impatiently for some news about their missing relatives. One week after earthquake For the most part, rescue efforts continued, but the hope of finding survivors was slim.

Identification of the corpses

Among the most difficult tasks it is worth highlighting the identification of the corpses. At the stadium baseball thousands of corpses from the Social Security Park were deposited in wooden boxes and the bodies were preserved with ice to facilitate the identification of relatives.

After several days, those who could not be identified had to be buried in mass graves.

A display of solidarity

Thousands of people voluntarily gave their solidarity help to collaborate in the rescue tasks. With the only help of their hands they began to search for possible wounded buried under the rubble. More than 14,000 wounded were sent to hospitals and aid stations.

The human tragedy shook the entire planet and in a few hours planes arrived with specialized supplies and equipment from various countries.

Although the material help was very useful, there were episodes of disorder and confusion. In fact, many medications could not be used because they came with directions in other languages ​​and the volunteers had to open all the boxes to order the medications.

Photo: Fotolia - Naeblys

Issues in the 1985 Mexico Earthquake