Last summer, two earthquakes hit Mexico within the space of just over two weeks. First, on 7th September 2017, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.1 affected the southern regions Chiapas, Oaxaca and Tabasco. According to official sources, more than 60 people were killed and over 40,000 homes damaged. Then, on 19th September 2017, another earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit Puebla, south of Mexico City. The affected regions included Mexico City, Morelos, Puebla, Mexico State and Guerrero. At least 226 people lost their lives – the highest figure of earthquake victims since the 1980s. In Morelos alone, at least 71 were confirmed dead, 300 homes and businesses collapsed entirely, and at least 1,500 other buildings were damaged. At least 44 buildings collapsed completely in Mexico City with thousands more left damaged and unstable.
Two powerful quakes happening very close to each other meant that rescuers and volunteers were working at heir limits and in need of financial help. Charity Cat called for a global donation, gathering 1,600 €, which we rounded up to 2,000 € and donated to TOPOS.
TOPOS, which was founded during the earthquake of 1985, is a volunteer rescue brigade for quakes, fires, floods and eruptions and is completely self-sufficient, non-governmental and non-commercial. Besides the rescue team, they have construction specialists, paramedics and trained dogs. They buy their own tools (light equipment to work fast). They collaborate with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. For the Earthquakes in 2017, they needed further resources to buy equipment, food for the volunteers and the dogs, amongst other things. More information here: http://www.topos.mx/.