On Thursday, September 19, 1985, at 7:19 am local time, Mexico City was struck by an earthquake of magnitude 8.1 on the Richter scale. Although this earthquake was not as deadly or destructive as many similar events in Asia and other parts of Latin America, it proved to be a disaster politically for the one-party government. The government was paralyzed by its own bureaucracy and corruption, forcing ordinary citizens to create and direct their own rescue efforts and to reconstruct much of the housing that was lost as well. COUNT 5
QSN1 What day of the week did the major earthquake strike Mexico City? ANS1 Thursday QSN2 How strong was the powerful earthquake that hit Mexico City in 1985? ANS2 8.1 on the Richter scale QSN3 What month did the 8.1 earthquake hit Mexico City in 1985? ANS3 September QSN4 Why did the one-party government struggle after the major earthquake in 1985? ANS4 paralyzed by its own bureaucracy and corruption QSN5 Who led the rescue effort after the earthquake of 1985? ANS5 ordinary citizens