The Devastating Earthquakes Have Revealed Mexico’s Strength and Solidarity Elizabeth Rivera and Indira Cornelio - GlobalVoices
go to original September 23, 2017

Destruction, and desolation. This is the reality for Mexico city after September 19’s earthquake. But this won’t dampen Mexicans spirit as they come together in aid. (ZoominTV)

Donate: How You Can Help Central Mexico Earthquake Victims (Care2)

Mexico is just beginning to tally the damage caused by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that shook central Mexico, including the capital as well as the states of Morelos and Puebla, on September 19.

The quake occurred exactly 32 years after a disastrous 1985 earthquake that took hundreds of lives and left its mark on the capital and its residents. The death toll has risen to 248 and is expected to rise further, yet the devastation has mobilized solidarity, drive, and creativity among residents, both Mexican and international.

Teams have quickly organized various rescue missions, zone-mapping, observation and information-sharing to assist the wounded, taking front stage both on and off social media. Online networks have acted as critical communication hubs in moments when misinformation or missed connections have hindered rescue services.

In fact, citizen rescuers have taken a leading role by offering diverse forms of support and activating creative participation to help victims.

Help has varied from transportation and mapping to repairs, medical attention, and psychological support as well as search-and-rescue missions with sound-tracing teams.

SismoMéxico.org organized another map collaboration by providing open information searchable by the kinds of help offered and the needs of specific areas. Verification initiatives have also been organized to fix information and keep it updated. For example, hashtags #Verificado19S and #Terremotomexico.

Every life matters, every hero matters too

Many migrants in Mexico have pushed aside their fears over their legal status to show unconditional support to people affected by the earthquake. Siete24 reports that many migrants have come out on the streets, facing possible abuse or extortion, “with borrowed shovels and without receiving anything in return. They were the heroes of this earthquake.”

Outside the capital

Prior institutionalized neglect has compounded the damage in surrounding areas of the capital in the aftermath of the earthquake. In many cases, the most vulnerable populations, already in need of support, have suffered the most serious consequences.

“Twice we've fallen… thrice we'll rise”

This earthquake will go down in history as one of extreme devastation that also revealed the strength of Mexico's people. At a time when trust in Mexican institutions has been rocked by corruption scandals and state espionage, the behavior of its citizens leaves no doubt as to who holds the reins as they rebuild their city.

Translated by Andrea Chong Bras

Read the rest at GlobalVoices

Related: From Rescue Specialists to Dog Teams, Support Comes from Around the World to Mexico’s Aid (Mexico News Daily)

Related: Civilian Volunteers Rise to the Challenge of Deadly Mexico Earthquake (The Guardian)

Related: Many in Mexico Think the Government and Political Parties Are Hampering Aid Efforts (NACLA)

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