1985 Mexico City earthquake Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
1985 Mexico City earthquake
Mexico City – Collapsed Hospital Juárez de México
UTC time	1985-09-19 13:17:50
ISC event	516095
USGS-ANSS	ComCat
Local date	19 September 1985 (1985-09-19)
Local time	07:17:50
Magnitude	8.0 M_w
Depth	20 km (12 mi)
Epicenter	18°21′N 102°23′W / 18.35°N 102.39°W / 18.35; -102.39
Areas affected	Mexico
Total damage	Extreme
Max. intensity	IX (Violent)
Tsunami	1–3 m
Aftershocks	7.5 M_w 20 September 1985 7.0 M_w 30 April 1986
Casualties	5,000–45,000 dead 30,000 injured

The 1985 Mexico City earthquake was a very strong earthquake that hit Mexico City on September 19, 1985. It had a magnitude of 8.1, which is incredibly powerful. This natural disaster caused a lot of damage and led to the loss of many lives. It is remembered as one of the most serious earthquakes in Mexico's history.

What Happened During the Earthquake?
- How Strong Was It?
- Tsunami and Landslides
Impact and Aftermath
Remembering the Event
- Statues and Tributes
Related pages
Images for kids
See also

What Happened During the Earthquake?

The main earthquake struck early in the morning, at 7:17 AM. It lasted for several minutes, causing the ground to shake violently. The earthquake's center was off the coast of Mexico, far from Mexico City. However, Mexico City is built on an old lakebed, which made the shaking much worse. The soft soil amplified the earthquake's waves, turning them into giant ripples.

How Strong Was It?

The earthquake measured 8.1 on the Richter scale. To give you an idea, earthquakes above 8.0 are considered "great" earthquakes. They can cause major damage over a very large area. After the main shock, there were also strong aftershocks. One aftershock, measuring 7.5, happened the very next day. Another one, measuring 7.0, occurred in April 1986.

Tsunami and Landslides

Because the earthquake happened near the coast, it also caused a small tsunami. Waves between 1 and 3 meters high were reported along the coast. Luckily, there were no major landslides directly caused by this earthquake.

Impact and Aftermath

The earthquake caused extreme damage, especially in Mexico City. Many buildings, including homes, hospitals, and schools, collapsed or were severely damaged. The city's infrastructure, like roads and power lines, was also badly hit.

Buildings Collapsed

Many buildings in Mexico City were not built to withstand such strong shaking. The soft soil underneath the city made the shaking worse, causing many structures to crumble. For example, parts of the Hospital Juárez de México collapsed, and the Pino Suárez Apartment Complex was also heavily damaged.

Apartment Complex Pino Suárez, after the earthquake.

People Affected

The human cost of the earthquake was tragic. Estimates of the number of people who died range from 5,000 to 45,000. Around 30,000 people were also injured. Many people were trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Rescue Efforts and Community Help

After the earthquake, thousands of people, including ordinary citizens, rushed to help. They worked tirelessly to rescue survivors from the debris. International aid also poured into Mexico to assist with the recovery efforts. The earthquake showed the incredible strength and unity of the Mexican people.

Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera presides over a minute of silence for the earthquake victims at the 30-year commemoration.

Remembering the Event

The 1985 earthquake is a very important event in Mexico's history. It led to big changes in how buildings are constructed in Mexico City. Stricter building codes were put in place to make sure new buildings could withstand future earthquakes. The city also developed better emergency response plans.

Statues and Tributes

There are memorials and statues in Mexico City to remember the victims and heroes of the earthquake. One statue honors the seamstresses who died when their factory collapsed. Another statue recognizes the famous singer Plácido Domingo for his help and contributions to the victims.

A statue in Mexico City to Plácido Domingo as a recognition of his contributions to 1985 Mexico City earthquake victims and his artistic works.

2017 Puebla earthquake

Images for kids

Map showing regional tectonic plates and the Middle America Trench.
USGS ShakeMap for the event
Aftermath of the earthquake
Bronze statue of a seamstress at corner of Manuel J Othón and San Antonio Abad at site of collapsed factory
Collapsed Conalep building
Nuevo León apartment building; part of the structure was only slightly damaged, while another part of it collapsed.
Eight-story frame structure with brick infill walls broken in two. The foundation also came off.