The 2017 earthquake shook Mexico City to its core—killing hundreds, injuring thousands, and leaving widespread destruction in its wake. But nearly eight years later, the aftershocks are still being felt.

The earthquake affected residential neighborhoods near the city center. Several apartment buildings were damaged, affecting working- and middle-class families the most. Many multi-story buildings collapsed, while over 20,000 homes, schools, and hospitals were structurally damaged.

Today, thousands of residents remain displaced, living in temporary shelters or unsafe conditions as buildings damaged in the quake remain uninhabitable. 

However, Mexico City is working to rebuild. In 2019, the capital’s government announced it would take charge of repairs, making structural fortifications where possible or demolishing and rebuilding entirely in the worst cases.

In 2019, the capital’s government announced it would take charge of repairs, making structural fortifications where possible or demolishing and rebuilding entirely in the worst cases. 

However, convincing residents to quit their damaged buildings has been a more significant challenge than making the repairs. Some residents continue to live in condemned buildings throughout the capital and refuse to leave, holding back the recovery effort put in place by the local government. What else can be done? 

 Alasdair Baverstock investigates the human and political toll of one of Mexico’s most devastating natural disasters—and the long road to recovery that remains ahead.