'Fuerza Mexico': Earthquake has been the engine of a newfound national solidarity

MEXICO CITY - Mexican flags poke from near the rubble piles of what were once homes, shops and offices.

A group of youthful cheerleaders marches down a street, clapping their hands while rhythmically chanting, "Mexico! Mexico!"

Bystanders gathered at the site of a flattened office building break into an impromptu rendition of "Cielito Lindo," the iconic Mexican song, with its adversity-calming refrain: "Ay, ay, ay ay. Canta y no llores" - "Sing and don't cry."

There would seem to be little to croon about on the streets of this grievously wounded capital, where the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake has left at least 180 dead and forced thousands from their homes. Nationally, the death toll has topped 300.

But, along with the edgy sense of apprehension, last week's earthquake has seen an extraordinary outpouring of pride and nationalistic passion, in some cases literal flag-waving. People seem compelled