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Dear All

Hello

Hope you are okay.

On this day, in 1985, 1985: Mexico suffered a devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude, causing many casualties and widespread damage.

"A part of a mountain just slid away, falling on the peasants who were just getting up to go to work," said Lieutenant Manuel Sanchez, from the fire department's headquarters in the state of Jalisco.

Telephone links were cut, and a communications tower burst into flames, leaving television broadcasts monitored in neighbouring Guatemala the only source of information.

Several high-rise hotels collapsed entirely, as well as a section of the city's huge medical centre. Many buildings were on fire. The underground system also failed, stranding hundreds of people.

A massive aftershock hit the city just one day later, magnifying the terrible damage caused by the first tremor.

The rescue operation continued to find survivors up to a week later. Among the most remarkable rescues was that of 58 newborn babies, pulled alive from the wreckage of a maternity ward three days after the earthquake struck.

The Mexico City earthquake was the most catastrophic in the country's history.

More than 10,000 people were killed, 30,000 were injured, and large parts of the city were destroyed.

About 6,000 buildings were flattened and quarter of a million people lost their homes.

Less than 9 months later, Mexico City was host to the football World Cup.

Today, these very special babies celebrate their 25th birthday.

Take gentle care
Very best wishes
xx