Heifer Mexico Staff Safe Following 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake, Assessing Damage in Nearby Projects

On September 19, the National Seismological Service (SSN) reported an earthquake with magnitude 7.1 located on the state border between Puebla and Morelos, 12 km southeast of Axochiapan, Morelos and 120 km from Mexico City, which is the area most affected so far.

Our Heifer Mexico team located in Oaxaca reports that they are safe, if a little shocked from the intensity and length of the tremors. We are currently assessing damage in Heifer project communities in the area of impact.

Here is the initial report from Oscar Castañeda, Senior Vice President for the Americas.

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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Today, before noon, the city carried out a drill in commemoration of the 32^nd anniversary of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Every business, school and street-shop participated. Employees and students were on the streets following the drill instructions. An hour and some minutes later, the earth shook, sirens went off, buildings collapsed and the city went into chaos. 

The most damage occurred in the historic center and central district. Additional complications and causes for concern includes lack of power and cell phone and internet signals, which went down for hours.

Fortunately for us, we are in a sector of the city much less affected by the earthquake. Power, water, internet and cell phone signal have just now been restored where we are staying, but I don't know much about the rest of the city. I'll find out tomorrow.

Many homes are crowded, hosting friends and neighbors from more affected areas. In these extreme situations, you can witness the best of people.

Everybody is hoping for a peaceful, uneventful night.