Centenary of the Xalapa earthquake: lessons from history and seismic prevention.

On January 3, 2022, a significant milestone was commemorated in the seismic history of Mexico: the centenary of the earthquake that struck the Veracruz region and left a deep mark on the country’s collective memory. This event, which had its epicenter in the community of Quimixtlán, Puebla, just 32 kilometers from the capital of Veracruz, served as a reminder of Mexico's vulnerability to natural phenomena, given its location in the Circum-Pacific Belt, one of the most seismically active areas in the world. With a magnitude that reached 7 on the Richter scale, the Xalapa earthquake caused a series of devastating consequences for the infrastructure and the population of the region. Along its path, landslides, local subsidence, and the emergence of new springs were recorded, altering the landscape of the area. The material damages were severe, affecting municipalities such as Teocelo, Cosautlán, and Ixhuacán, leaving a trail of destruction that extended to Córdoba. Historical records, supported by the Veracruz Municipal Encyclopedia, not only document the magnitude of the tremor but also reflect the human impact it had. There were 34 reported deaths and 110 injuries, a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the face of nature's force. Many buildings, including churches and government structures, suffered structural damage that compromised their integrity, with the State Government Palace being one of the most affected properties. Mexico's seismic history is rich and complex, marked by events that have shaped not only the landscape but also the culture and infrastructure of the country. Since pre-Hispanic times, the civilizations that inhabited these lands were already aware of seismic activity. However, it was not until 1910, with the inauguration of the National Seismological Service (SSN) during the government of Porfirio Díaz, that a systematic record of these phenomena began, allowing for the collection of data essential for understanding seismic activity in the country. Although Veracruz is not the state with the highest seismic activity, it has been the scene of significant events that have provided lessons for authorities and the general population. The interaction of tectonic plates in this region, while not always causing large tremors, can result in earthquakes that have the potential to cause severe damage. The earthquake of 1920, known as the "Xalapa earthquake," stands out as the second deadliest in Mexico's history, after the devastating earthquake of 1985 in Mexico City. This fact indicates how a country's collective memory can be shaped by its experiences with natural disasters. The extensive photographic coverage of that event set a precedent, becoming a visual document that helped to understand the magnitude of the disaster. Today, the culture of prevention and education about earthquakes has gained relevance, especially following the events of 1985 and more recent ones, such as the earthquakes of 2017 and 2021. Despite the proliferation of information and the spread of rumors about "mega earthquakes" on social media, experts have made it clear that precise prediction of tremors is not possible. What is evident is the need to be prepared and to have alert systems that can mitigate the impact of future earthquakes. The history of earthquakes in Mexico, particularly the earthquake of January 3, 1920, serves as a reminder that nature is powerful and unpredictable. Preparation and resilience are fundamental to facing these phenomena. The lessons learned from past events should be used to strengthen building policies, as well as evacuation and disaster response strategies. On the centenary of the Xalapa earthquake, it is vital to reflect on the importance of historical memory in building a safer future. The inhabitants of Veracruz and all of Mexico must continue to unite in the task of remembering, learning, and preparing for what may come, with the hope that, although earthquakes are inevitable, human suffering can be mitigated through education and collective action.