Earthquake Experience in Mexico
By G. W. Reaser
(From Our Own Correspondent) DURING a period of thirty-six hours covering a portion of July 30 and 31, the southern part of the Republic of Mexico has been “reeling to and fro as a drunkard,” in consequence of earthquakes which have shaken this section of the continent, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. Seven of these writhings of mother earth have been recorded in Mexico City and seventy-two of them at Acapulco, the latter place being apparently near the center of seismic disturbance. Three of the shocks which visited the capital are said to have been as severe as any heretofore experienced, at least since the year 1845. Comparatively little damage resulted in the Federal District, only a few buildings of weak construction having collapsed, with a total loss of eleven lives. All one night earthquakes rocked the city of Acapulco; not a family remained in its house. The ruin is general; it is said the houses are on the verge of falling, and the rains menace the city. In their appeal for help the city authorities said in their message: “The town is destroyed; families are in camp in public roads, and federal officers transact their business in the public garden. There is an absolute scarcity of eatables.” The American consul said in his report to the Associated Press: “Two more heavy shocks this afternoon. Church gone, custom-house and hotels ruined, and not a single safe building left in the place. Populace living in the open. Slight shocks continue at the time of filing this telegram. Movements generally north and south.” Having felt numerous seismic disturbances in California, the writer was prepared to contrast the difference in sensation between earthquakes in the state named and in Mexico. The capital of this republic is built in an extensive valley at an elevation of about a mile and a half above sea-level, which is surrounded by a lofty mountain wall, giving the valley the exact appearance of a great volcanic crater. In fact it is claimed by the press here that we are living in the very center of a vast crater. However this may be, it is certain that there are numerous smaller craters in full view of Mexico City. Mexico City over a Crater
The “Mexican Herald” gives us the not altogether comfortable assurance that the lid of the crater which forms the capital “may at any time blow off.” Leaving this thought for future developments, I will say that there is one condition of safety from ordinary tremblores in the fact that the so-called crater in which we are living, has for ages received the floods and silt from the surrounding mountains; and, there being no outlet for this vast accumulation of debris until the government, in the past few years, cut a tunnel to drain it, the City of Mexico has become to a large extent a great bog, or marsh, thus supplying a cushion of great depth to modify the force of the direct shocks produced by the subterranean disturbances. I was therefore surprised to note that instead of direct jars or shocks, the tremblores gave one the feeling of being in a house perched upon poles, with a giant hand swinging the structure around and around and back and forth. Thanks to this condition, the City of Mexico was saved from terrible destruction. Segregating the three severe shocks of the past few hours from the four lighter ones, I will say that the first lasted 55 seconds, the second, 100; and the third, 64 seconds; the shortest continuing about twice as long as the notable one in California of April 18, 1906. A condition which the writer never experienced before was the fact that the southern heavens were illuminated with vivid flashes of light during the shaking of the earth, and for some minutes thereafter. Two of the shocks came during the night, causing almost the entire population to flee to the streets and parks, where they remained till daylight. The last of the three came just at the moment when we had stepped out into the street, after having finished our Sabbath meeting. The sight in the street was one never to be forgotten. All traffic, including the running of the street-cars, instantly stopped; and breathless silence reigned, except for the muttered prayers of the Catholic population, who suddenly dropped to their knees, removed their hats, and invoked their patron saints for protection. The writer had spoken to some extent on the event of our Saviour’s advent, and the great earthquakes that would precede it. It seemed almost providential that the reeling of the earth did not take place during the meeting and perhaps cause consternation; but following immediately at the close, it certainly helped to deepen the impression made. In all calamities that come, how important to have in our hearts the peace of God that passeth all understanding! Tacubaya, D. F., Mexico City, Aug. 1, 1909.