Why was building damage so extensive in the 1985 mexico city quake? a) the epicenter was right in the city. b) much of the city is built on filled-in, shallow lakes and swampland. c) the steel frame buildings were rigid and lacked the flexibility to withstand lateral swaying during even a moderate magnitude quake. d) the richter magnitude was 8.8, and the focus was only 10 miles from the city.