How to Help Mexico Earthquake Victims as the Country Struggles to Recover Jen McGuire - Romper
go to original September 9, 2017

Race to Rescue Survivors from Ruins of Mexico Earthquake (AFP/PigMine 7)

Update: 'We Are All Collapsed, Our Homes and Our People'; Earthquake-Hit Mexico Pounded By Storm Katia (The Associated Press)

The sky reportedly turned green in parts of southern Mexico on Thursday night, moments before an 8.2 magnitude earthquake hit. Buildings were leveled by the earthquake, the strongest felt by the country in at least 100 years, and people were killed. At least 61, according to The New York Times, though that number could continue to rise as rescue crews seek out victims within the rubble. Thousands of people were affected by the shock, and will continue to be affected for the foreseeable future. We need to help the Mexico earthquake victims; it's going to be a long road ahead to recovery, and they will need all the help they can get.

While the earthquake was felt by tens of millions of people throughout Mexico and as far away as Guatemala, the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca were hit the strongest. These states were the closest to the earthquake's epicenter in the Pacific Ocean, according to The New York Times. Mexico City, which was devastated by an 8.1 magnitude earthquake in 1985 that killed 10,000 people, was also affected by the earthquake but was able to sound a warning over loudspeakers. The city was shaken, but no one was seriously injured. The same could not be said for the provincial city of Juchitán; perhaps the hardest hit of the areas, the city of 100,000 people lost one-third of its homes and 36 people died. Their hospital was nearly destroyed, leaving medical staff to work on injured residents in the parking lot by the light of their cell phones.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto visited the ravaged city of Juchitán on Friday, and has declared a three day period of mourning, and reassured locals that the government would offer aid to help with reconstruction. In fact, several world leaders have stepped up to the plate as well. The heads of state for the Latin American countries of Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela and Spain have all reached out to offer their assistance, as has the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.

My thoughts are with the injured & all those who lost loved ones in last night's deadly earthquake in Mexico. Canada stands ready to help.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2017

Unfortunately, President Trump has yet to offer any form of assistance or even acknowledge the earthquake in the slightest. Which is particularly galling, considering the aid Mexico offered to the United States when Hurricane Harvey caused flooding and devastation throughout Texas. Mexican Red Cross volunteers entered the state armed with trailers containing rice, beans, coffee, chocolate, 300 beds, nine generators, mobile kitchens and telecommunications equipment. President Trump has never acknowledged their aid, and has yet to offer any reciprocal help.

When Harvey hit Texas, the President of Mexico offered help and support. A huge earthquake hits Mexico and our terrible President is silent

— American Veteran (@amvetsupport) September 9, 2017

Whether the United States government aids Mexican earthquake victims or nor, private citizens could (and should) rise to the occasion. While there have not been direct relief efforts established yet, several reputable national charities exist.

• Mexican Red Cross (donating to the Red Cross is  highly recommended, especially considering the aid they offered victims of Hurricane Harvey)
• Oxfam Mexico
• UNICEF Mexico
• Save The Children Mexico

Read the rest at Romper

Related: Mexico Rushes in Relief Supplies to Quake-Devastated Areas (WSJ.com)

Related: Google Makes It Easier for Users to Donate to Earthquake Relief (Vallarta Daily)

Related: Direct Relief Mexico Mobilizing Quake Relief Efforts (KEYT)



Related: Operation USA to Aid Recovery Efforts in Florida and Mexico Following Major Disasters (PRWeb)

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