MEXICO CITY, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Mexico has already overcome the crisis caused by the two strong earthquakes which rocked the nation in September and the country will now focus on reconstruction process, said Minister of the Interior, Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, on Friday.
Appearing in front of the Chamber of Deputies, Osorio Chong said that the disaster response had been coordinated, agile and opportune thanks to the strengthening of the National Civil Protection System over the last five years, at the federal, state and municipal levels.
On September 7 and 19, Mexico saw two earthquakes of 8.2 and 7.1 magnitude, which killed 471 people and damaged over 180,000 houses in eight states, including Mexico City.
"The opportune response of the institutions has allowed that, despite the devastating extent to the September earthquakes, the emergency has today been overcome and we find ourselves in the reconstruction process," said Osorio Chong.
He added that the National Emergencies Committee has remained in session since September 7, analyzing the facts and determining the urgent measures to be taken.
According to Osorio Chong, the earthquakes showed that Mexico is a solidary and generous nation which responded to adversity with determination, while showcasing its strength.
"It was with this spirit that society took to the streets to help those in need, and it was with this vision that the institutions, staffed by Mexicans of great bravery, responded with speed and commitment to the emergency," he said.
