Mexico City Earthquake Remembrance: Elena Poniatowska Reflects on the Disaster 40 Years Later
In the wake of the devastating 1985 earthquake that struck Mexico City, a distinguished chronicler in the Spanish language, Elena Poniatowska, returned to journalism to tell the story of the disaster. Her book, "Nada, nadie. Las voces del temblor", is a coral work filled with humanity, solidarity, and tragedy.
Poniatowska, a Cervantes Prize 2013 recipient, describes Mexico City as a city with multiple floors, similar to a volcano. This sentiment is reflected in the book, which delves into the stories of individuals who, like La Pulga, a short and brave man, entered the tunnels after the earthquake to rescue people. Some of these individuals were baptized as "moles".
The book tells human stories of pain, including the chilling account of a hole that opened and swallowed an apartment building where 300 people lived. The main baseball park in Mexico City was even used as a morgue.
In "Nada, nadie: Las voces del temblor", Poniatowska recalls the earthquake through the eyes of ordinary people. She critiques the disinterest of politicians, some of whom were more interested in honoring Nancy, the wife of President Ronald Reagan, than in attending to the victims. However, the book also highlights the solidarity shown by people from various countries, including Israel, who came to assist Mexico City with field hospitals and medical aid as part of their humanitarian support.
Rich people brought food and water to the affected areas, and some discovered Tepito, a popular neighborhood in the city. The stories in the book are being revived by the people in current days, a testament to the enduring impact of the disaster and the resilience of the human spirit.
Poniatowska often goes down a 17-step staircase in her house in Chimalistac, Mexico, wearing sportswear that reminds her of her younger years when she practiced swimming. She states that in the 1985 earthquake, Mexicans showed a solidarity they didn't even imagine.
"Nada, nadie: Las voces del temblor" is a poignant reminder of the aftermath of the 1985 earthquake and the stories of solidarity, tragedy, and humanity that emerged in its wake. The source for this information is EFE.
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