The earth beneath Mexico held firm on September 19, alleviating the fears of 127 million citizens who have understandably grown wary of this date on the calendar.
In a remarkable coincidence, earthquakes have shaken Mexico three times on September 19 over the past 39 years. In 1985, a magnitude 8.0 quake struck Mexico City, resulting in the deaths of at least 10,000 people. On the same date in 2017, a 7.1 magnitude quake hit central Mexico, including Mexico City, causing 370 fatalities and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Then, in an almost unbelievable turn of events, on September 19, 2022, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the town of Coalcomán in the state of Michoacán, fortunately causing relatively limited damage and few casualties.
Mexico designates September 19 as the day to hold the Simulacro Nacional (nationwide earthquake drill), emphasizing the importance of preparedness while also honoring the thousands of victims of the 1985 quake. Ironically, in 2017, the evacuation drill had just concluded when a real quake struck a large swath of central Mexico.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.