How You Can Help Central Mexico Earthquake Victims S.E. Smith - Care2
go to original September 21, 2017

How to Help the Victims of the Mexico Earthquake (Los Angeles Times)

Update: Aid Workers from Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection Head to Mexico City (Vallarta Daily)

On September 19, a terrible 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Mexico, causing substantial property damage and a growing number of deaths – particularly in Mexico City. At a time when hurricanes and earthquakes seem to be descending from all directions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by natural disasters, but Mexico could really use your help.

In a bitter twist, this earthquake shook the country on the anniversary of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, which killed 5,000 people. In fact, earthquake drills to commemorate the devastating seismic event and encourage citizens to stay prepared had been held just hours before the shaking began.

What you need to know

While Mexico City has dominated headlines, the earthquake’s epicenter was actually in the nearby state of Puebla — and the quake dealt out damage across several Mexican states. As of Wednesday morning, the government estimated that 225 people had died in building collapses and other incidents, while some 800 more were injured. These counts will likely increase in the coming days, especially as reports come in from remote areas.

Affected regions face the need to repair or demolish damaged structures while restoring utilities and other municipal services. In Mexico City, very soft soil likely contributed to the extent of the damage.

How you can help

Topos Mexico, a civilian rescue brigade and response organization that formed in 1985 after sluggish government response to the quake, is on the ground. The group’s website is a little overwhelmed right now, but you can keep up with their operations via Twitter.

Other groups active in disaster response and relief efforts include UNICEF Mexico, Save the Children Mexico, Oxfam Mexico and Project Paz.

Global Giving, which gathers funds centrally to distribute to vetted charities, has also started a fundraiser.

If you work for a corporation, your company may offer charitable matching – an excellent way to make your donations go further. Before you donate, ask about eligible charities and any requirements. If your company doesn’t have a matching program, consider asking them to implement one — either as a one-time event for this crisis or as an ongoing pledge.

And if you don’t have much money, that doesn’t mean you can’t help! Organizing a fundraiser can be a great way to gather funds and increase awareness.

If you’re in Mexico and near the site of the earthquake, there’s a website coordinating volunteer efforts and in-kind donations. Self-deploying to help isn’t recommended, as well-meaning volunteers could inadvertently divert resources that are vital for earthquake recovery.

Residents looking for their relatives may call emergency help lines in Mexico City at 011-52-55-56-58-1111 or 011-52-55-56-83-2222.

Take Action!

Urge Donald Trump to send aid to Mexico for earthquake relief by signing this Care2 petition

Read the rest at Care2

Related: Mexico Declares 3-Days of Mourning for Quake Victims (News Agency of Nigeria)

Related: How to Reach Loved Ones in Mexico After the Major Earthquake (KESQ)

Related: Facebook Gives $1 Million To Help Victims Of Mexico Earthquake (CBS)

Related: Mexico Offered Rescuers, Little Long-Term Aid After Quake (Associated Press)

  Learn about Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross)