SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — At 7:18 a.m. on September 19, 1985, an 8.1-magnitude earthquake shook the Mexico City basin destroying buildings, bridges, highways and entire neighborhoods leaving behind a death toll of up to 35,000 people.
Another 30,000 were injured and tens of thousands were left homeless.
The quake was centered 250 miles west of the city, but due to the relatively unstable ground underneath the Mexico City valley, the shaking lasted for nearly 3 minutes.
Aftershocks and the quake itself ruptured gas lines, causing fires and explosions throughout the city.
According to the Mexican government, 3,000 buildings in Mexico City were demolished and another 100,000 sustained serious damage.
The earthquake resulted in around $3 billion to $4 billion in damage.
In the days after the quake, the Mexican government was criticized heavily for believing it could handle the situation on its own as it refused any foreign aid.
Eventually, then president Miguel de la Madrid, announced Mexico would accept any help involving heavy machinery, medical supplies and excavation equipment.
The U.S., Canada and many others quickly sent tons of supplies and equipment to Mexico City.
Since then, building codes have been established to make sure building designers, engineers and architects consider ground motion and stronger foundations in their projects.
As a way to remember the 40th anniversary of the quake, the Mexican government conducted a nationwide emergency drill at noon Friday, where everyone with a cellphone received an alert and instructions for a mock catastrophe.
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