Heifer Checking Projects After Earthquake Shakes Mexico, Guatemala

Heifer International staff in Mexico and Guatemala was checking on projects after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook the region early Monday morning, though initial reports from Guatemala indicated no Heifer farmers or communities were affected by the trembler.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake, which struck at 6:23 a.m., was centered about one mile from Puerto Madero in the Mexican state of Chiapas, near the Guatemalan border. Two people were killed in Guatemala after their homes collapsed while one death was reported in Chiapas. 

Heifer International supports coffee farmers in Chiapas and has active projects in Guatemala. 

Various social media reports said the quake triggered landslides and knocked out power across the region. Other media were reporting widespread building damage as well. 

As soon as Heifer receives word from our Mexican colleagues assessing the projects we will update the blog with the imapct, if any, on Heifer families, staff and animals there. Guatemala staff will continue to montior the situation and will also update if they receive new reports of damage.