"Memories of the earthquake on September 8: resilience and lessons for Mexico"

On September 8, 2017, Mexico experienced one of the most devastating earthquakes in its recent history, a tremor with a magnitude of 8.2 that had its epicenter 133 kilometers southwest of Pijijiapan, Chiapas. At 11:49 PM, the ground shook with a force that drove thousands of people to flee their homes in the middle of the night, reminding them of the fragility of the safety provided by the ground beneath their feet. This natural event not only left a tragic toll of 99 fatalities but also marked a turning point in the way Mexicans confront the seismic reality of the country. The then-president Enrique Peña Nieto was quick to communicate the magnitude of the disaster, classifying it as a historic earthquake, the largest recorded in nearly a century. From his initial statements, the concern over potential damage to infrastructure and the lives of citizens was palpable. The alert was immediate, and assessment teams began their work, a process that would be long and complicated, as the aftermath extended beyond the first night of tremors. The figures from this earthquake are chilling. According to data from the federal government, Oaxaca was the most affected state, with 79 deaths, followed by Chiapas and Tabasco. The community came together in the days that followed, and solidarity among Mexicans became evident, with thousands willing to help in any way necessary. However, the tragedy did not end there, as just twelve days later, on September 19, Mexico was shaken again by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake, increasing the suffering in a country already grappling with devastation. The second tremor, with its epicenter in Chiautla de Tapia, Puebla, also left a tragic toll. The death toll rose to 228 in Mexico City, in addition to significant losses in neighboring states such as Morelos, Puebla, and Guerrero. The scenes of destruction and chaos were etched into the collective memory of the nation, and the urgency for a better system of earthquake prevention and response became more evident than ever. As time passed, the aftershocks continued. In the two weeks following the September 8 earthquake, over 4,300 aftershocks were recorded, with the most significant being of magnitude 6.1. These aftershocks, although less intense, kept the population on edge, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear that lasted for months. In retrospect, these natural events led to a reevaluation of construction strategies and emergency protocols in Mexico. The country, located in one of the most seismically active regions in the world, has had to adapt and learn from these tragic experiences. The implementation of new construction regulations and early warning systems has been part of the efforts to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes. However, despite the advances, there is an unavoidable reality: nature is unpredictable. The memory of the earthquakes of 2017 and previous years remains alive in the social consciousness. Every September 19, not only are the victims remembered, but also the importance of preparation and resilience in the face of natural disasters. Mexico's seismic history is extensive and complex. Since 1900, only three tremors with a magnitude greater than 8.0 have been recorded. This statistic reminds us that, although catastrophic events are rare, their effects can be devastating. The experiences of September 8 and September 19, 2017, continue to pose a challenge for authorities and the population, who must work together to strengthen response and reconstruction capacities in the face of adversity. Seven years after those fateful earthquakes, it is crucial that the memory of the victims serves as a call to action. Prevention, education, and solidarity are essential pillars in building a more prepared and less vulnerable society against the unpredictable force of nature. On this path, every year, every drill exercise, and every investment in infrastructure is a step toward safety and resilience.