With three natural disasters striking Mexico this month, the country is in dire need of help. On Tuesday, September 19, an earthquake of 7.1 magnitude shook the country. The epicenter was near Raboso, a town in the state of Puebla, but could be felt 76 miles away in Mexico City. Social media immediately showed us the panic and fear people felt as buildings shook and collapsed near them. The first images presented a heartbreaking scene. But as more information comes out, we’ve learned about the extent of the devastation.
The death toll is now at more than 200, according to USA Today. Many saw their homes, cars, and property destroyed. Rescue workers, joined by civilians in many cases, are hard at work, digging through the rubble to find more people. As they search through the debris, they pause to listen for voices. Some victims have used their phones – sending off text messages or using Whatsapp – in hopes of getting rescued, according to the Associated Press.
The country, which had yet to recuperate from the earthquake that hit earlier this month, will need our aid as it recovers. Here are some organizations to donate to in Mexico’s time of need.
1
Topos
Topos was created after a deadly 1985 earthquake hit Mexico. The organization is renowned for the work it does. You can donate Topos through Paypal or Santander Bank.
2
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Over the next two days, UNAM will open its door to collect supplies for victims.
3
Amazon Wishlist
If you’re not in Mexico, you can buy items off of Amazon, which the Red Cross will then distribute to the victims. Check out the list here.
4
Salma Hayek and UNICEF's Relief Efforts
Salma Hayek donated $100,000 to UNICEF. Now, she is raising money alongside the organization. Donate here.
5
Funds to Help Hueyapan, Morelos
https://www.facebook.com/guillermo.perezsoberanes/posts/1458814227487009
Guillermo Pérez Soberanes started a YouCaring page to raise money for those in Hueyapan, who have seen extensive damage. “Due to its rural and mountainous location, it is among the last to receive economic aid and sometimes not at all,” Pérez wrote. “Hueyapan is heavily damaged throughout. There is severe damage to homes, roads, government buildings, and the church Ex -Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Current evaluation estimates that 70% of the town is severely damaged.”
Donate here.
6
Mi Teatro
If you’re local, here are some other ways – including donating blood and supplies – to help.
7
Diego Luna & Gael García Bernal's Earthquake Fund
Teaming up with Omaze and Ambulante (the non-profit documentary film festival they launched over a decade ago) – Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal started a relief fund. 100% of the monies donated will go towards local organizations to rebuild schools, homes, and hospitals.
The campaign runs through the end of October. You can donate via their Omaze page.
8
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has also launched a page dedicated to fundraising for the victims. It highlights all of the separate campaigns running on its site.
Check it out here.