The year 1985 marked a tragic event in the history of Mexico City as a powerful earthquake shook the city, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss. The 8.0 magnitude earthquake not only caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, but it also claimed many lives. However, more than three decades later, the exact death toll from this disaster remains unknown and a subject of debate among experts.

Similarly, in 2017, Mexico City was once again hit by a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale. The quake caused widespread devastation, leaving many people dead and injured, and once again, the death toll has been a topic of discussion without any official consensus.

According to some estimates, the total figure of fatalities from the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes in Mexico City could be more than 12,000. However, the real number remains unknown, and there are valid reasons behind this uncertainty.

One of the reasons for the lack of an official death toll is the chaotic and overwhelming aftermath of earthquakes. In the immediate aftermath of the 1985 earthquake, the city was in a state of chaos, with many buildings collapsing and people trying to escape the destruction. The lack of proper communication and record-keeping in the midst of such chaos makes it challenging to determine the exact death toll.

Moreover, in the aftermath of the earthquake, many victims were buried without proper identification, making it difficult to account for all the lives lost. In some cases, entire families were buried together, making it challenging to determine the individual death toll. This lack of proper identification and record-keeping has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the total number of fatalities.

Another reason for the lack of an official death toll is the government’s response to the disasters. In 1985, the Mexican government was criticized for its slow response and inadequate aid to the affected areas. This negligence raised questions about the government’s credibility in reporting the exact number of casualties.

Similarly, in 2017, the government’s response to the earthquake was met with criticism, with many people claiming that the official death toll was much lower than the actual number. This has led to a lack of trust in the government’s reporting and raised doubts about the accuracy of the official figures.

Furthermore, the cultural and societal factors of Mexico City also play a significant role in the uncertainty surrounding the death toll. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of life and is not feared or avoided. Therefore, some families may not have reported the deaths of their loved ones, leading to an underestimation of the total fatalities.

Similarly, in the aftermath of the earthquake, many victims’ families chose to bury their loved ones without involving the authorities, further contributing to the lack of official records.

Despite the lack of an official consensus on the overall death toll from the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes, one thing is clear: both disasters have left a lasting impact on the people of Mexico City. Many families lost their loved ones, and the city’s infrastructure suffered significant damage, resulting in long-term economic and social consequences.

However, amid the tragedy and uncertainty, there is also a silver lining. In the aftermath of both earthquakes, there was an outpour of support and aid from people all over the world. Volunteers and rescue teams from various countries came together to help in the search and rescue efforts, and many individuals and organizations provided aid to those affected.

Moreover, the earthquakes also sparked a change in building codes and emergency response protocols in Mexico City. The government implemented stricter building codes, and emergency response teams were better prepared for future disasters.

In conclusion, the lack of an official consensus on the overall death toll from the 1985 and 2017 earthquakes in Mexico City is a topic of debate and uncertainty. However, it should not overshadow the resilience and strength of the people of Mexico City, who have come together to rebuild their city and support those affected by these natural disasters. The exact number of casualties may remain unknown, but the impact of these earthquakes will always be remembered, and the city will continue to rise above the devastation.