30% of Mexico has been rebuilt since 2017 earthquake

By Sierra Juarez

GUADALAJARA, Mexico - Two years after an earthquake in Mexico left at least 360 people dead, Mexico continues to rebuild Thursday and has only reconstructed 30% of the damage left in the wake of the 7.1-magnitude disaster.

Two administrations have worked toward rebuilding the country since the earthquake shook Puebla and surrounding states Sept. 19, 2017.

But the current administration says there is still a lot of work to be done.

In a news conference about the renovations, Secretary of Development Roman Meyer Falcon said 700 municipalities had declared themselves destroyed and more than 186,000 homes were damaged.

In the time since, renovation efforts have been inadequate, according to Meyer Falcon. The previous administration did not have definitive, reliable numbers for how many establishments were affected, and at times, recovery was slower than what they suggested, he said.

In the states of Chiapas and Guerrero, more than half of families reported receiving inadequate government support for the rebuilding process, according to a study by the Mexican government. Even worse, in Chiapas about 33% of families never received help at all. Many families used their own resources for the rebuilding process.

“We are pointing out that we are here to recover lost time and that no one will be left behind,” said Meyer Falcon.

By the end of this year, the administration hopes 41% of the housing lost will be restored and 71% of buildings for educational, cultural and health services will be reconstructed.

The administration says it will focus on helping marginalized people, such as indigenous communities.

David Cervantes, who is in charge of the program for reconstruction in the country, said the government would also prioritize transparency. The government created a website where Mexican citizens can stay updated about the process.

“The new program is working to guarantee inclusion and that there is no discrimination of any type,” Cervantes said. “Everyone that is affected has to be included.”