Mexican President Vicente Fox opened the commemorations of the deadly earthquake in 1985 in the country on Monday, saying the government is better prepared and will do more to protect the people.

On the National Civil Protection Day, held in memory of the victims of the Sept. 19, 1985, earthquake, Fox told his countrymen that Mexico is better prepared to cope with natural disasters, yet "there remains a lot to do in terms of civil protection."

He also called on Mexicans to cherish the memory of the victims by helping other countries affected by natural disasters and shoring up a National Civil Protection System to fight calamities.

Up to 10,000 people died 20 years ago in the devastating earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale.

Mexico City Mayor Alejandro Encinas said in his speech to mark the day that important achievements have been made since the 1985 earthquake, including better seismic engineering, strict construction regulations, high-risk zone detection and the creation of a rapid response program.

Ex-President Miguel de la Madrid, who was in office between 1982 and1988, and some other well-known figures in the country also made remarks to commemorate day.

A bust in honor of Spanish tenor Placido Domingo was unveiled here Monday in appreciation of his rescue work after the earthquake.

Domingo worked several weeks alongside other rescuers in search for possible survivors in the aftermath of the disaster.

Source: Xinhua