A magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Mexico on September 19, killing more than 200 people in the country, most of them in and near Mexico City. According to media reports and Oxfam staff in Mexico, more than 700 people were injured in Mexico City alone. Large areas are now without electricity. Federal government agencies of Mexico are responding with rescue and medical aid in the affected area, and are continuing to respond to the areas already hit by the September 7 earthquake in Chiapas.
Oxfam staff report that the Oxfam offices have been damaged, but staff are safe and have set up a temporary office. They have begun to exchange information with a network of national and international aid groups and are carrying out assessments of damage to determine Oxfam’s response with more information expected in the coming days.
Oxfam New Zealand’s humanitarian specialist Darren Brunk said the most urgent needs were likely be delivering water and sanitation to those affected. “It is critical after a disaster like this to get clean water to people who need it most. This is vital to help prevent the spread of waterborne disease and other health risks, which turn one terrible disaster into another.”
Donations to support Oxfam’s emergency responses around the world can be made online at oxfam.org.nz/drf or by calling 0800 600 700.
