Yesterday’s earthquake in Mexico was a barometer of the country’s progress.
The earthquake in 1985, of similar magnitude, not only destroyed large parts of Mexico City, but was part of the shaking of the PRI regime, so poor was the government response to people in such dire need.
This earthquake knocked down buildings, but killed no one. Granted the epicenter was in a sparsely populated part of the country, in Guerrero near the border with Oaxaca.
Nevertheless, in the past, much less powerful natural disasters — floods, heavy rains — have killed many, as well as destroyed buildings, bridges, houses, etc.
Natural disasters are often a sign of a government’s effectiveness and competence. In this case, it would seem important to point out, Mexico weathered it well.
On the other hand, there is the continuing narco-violence, itself akin to a natural disaster.
