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Page 1 of 2 The Dramatic Experience of 1985  Mexico City was the focus of the world's attention in September of 1985 when an earthquake of magnitude 8.1 on the Richter scale changed the city permanently. The origin of this ferocious natural disaster came from the Michoacan coastline and destroyed hundreds of buildings in Mexico City alone. The earthquake killed more than 8,000 people and provoked irreparable damage to buildings in Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and Lázaro Cárdenas, in the states of Guerrero and Michoacan. An earthquake of less intensity ocurred the following day, September 20th, and provoked additional damages and deaths. Every year since the disastrous earthquake, Mexicans continue to mourn their dead, where they are buried in the city cemetery in Dolores.
Mexico is located in a zone of high levels of seismic activity and is part of the same St. Andrews Fault that begins in Alaska and ends in Chile’s southernmost territories. By keeping in mind that there are a number of preventative measures you can take to protect yourself in case of an earthquake, you will minimize your risk of injury or death. Prevention is key, because from 1978 to date Mexico has had four earthquakes equal or of more intensity than 7.6 on the Richter scale. Mexico’s central area is the most prone to the occurrence of severe earthquakes. Based on extensive professional study, UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) researchers Singh and Suárez have predicted that an earthquake of 8 on the Richter scale will occur in the coastal area of Guerrero sometime during the next two decades. Unfortunately, there is no way of foretelling the exact or even approximate date an earthquake will occur. Our readers must always be prepared to responsibly prepare and react to the potential of a future earthquake. -The following information has been reprinted with permission from Mexico’s Seismological Studies Center. What To Do in Preparation for an EarthquakeMake sure your building structure is in conformity with city government construction requirements. Obtain the services of construction specialists who have experience in earthquake prevention before you begin construction of a home or building. Identify the location of all gas, water and electrical lines. Use flexible connectors and become familiar with the procedures necessary to disconnect these lines. Attach firmly to the wall large pieces of furniture that may become hazards in case of an earthquake, such as cabinets, mirrors, bookcases, or shelving. Avoid placing heavy objects on such large pieces of furniture. Make sure that big light fixtures and chandeliers are securely mounted to the ceiling. Always carry identification with you. Include basic health information, such as blood type, medications, allergies, and who to contact in case of an emergency. Every building should have a written contingency plan. Become familiar with it, and perform periodic evacuation drills with your family. Do not wait until you are caught, all of the sudden, without knowing what to do or how to react in case of an earthquake. By Mario Gonzalez-Roman, a retired Foreign Service National Security Advisor to the United States Embassy, currently a private Security Consultant, columnist at www.securitycornermexico.com
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