Fellow Steemians,
On September 19th 1985 Mexico suffered the most devastating earthquake in its history leaving more then 10,000 people death, 30,000 injured and about 250,000 without a home. Like a hex, last September 19th 2017 another earthquake happened. Even though the magnitude was not as big as the one from 1985, several people that have experienced both have said that this one felt a lot worse. This time, the death toll rose to 369 and again about 250,000 people have been left without a home. After the one from 1985, the government has established more safety procedures for construction and evacuation. Maybe thanks to that is that a lot less people died this time. On the other hand, several experts say that is was mere luck. Here is a hard to watch compilation of how people experienced the earthquake:
As soon as the earthquake passed, people went to the streets and started digging through the debris in hope of rescuing people trapped underneath the bricks and metals. People volunteered all over the country to do whatever they could to help rescue the ones trapped and give shelter to the ones without a home. It amazed me to see how we did not need the government. The people were getting organized on Facebook and Twitter, we need volunteers here, there is a shelter over there, we need more shovels over there, etc. People donated whatever they could, shovels, buckets, picks, water, sheets, food, etc. They went to the hospitals to donate blood, they took turns shoveling, rode on their motorcycles to move paramedics around a paralyzed city... In short, they were doing everything they could to help. Even the Red Cross was turning people away since they had "too many" volunteers. Being away, it hurt me deeply in my heart not being able to suffer and help with my people. The following extract is from a newspaper after the earthquake of 1985 and was recirculated after this one. Every time I read it, it gives me the chills and makes my eyes water. I am very proud of my people. It reads:
"Who summoned so many youngsters,
where did all this volunteers come from,
how come there was blood remaining in the hospitals,
who organized the brigades that directed the traffic and the pedestrians in the affected areas?
There was no calling, there was no announcement, but they all came"
About 24 hours later the rescue teams from the government and the military started getting to the affected zones. 48 hours later, rescue teams from different parts of the world like Colombia and Japan were boarding planes to come and help with the rescue efforts. Many were rescued and for that I am thankful, I am thankful towards my own people, amazing rescue organizations like the Topos (a non-profit created after the earthquake of 1985), and other rescue teams from over the globe.
In the university where I study there is a Mexican Association. They are organizing a tequila tasting event today where you have to buy a ticket to attend, and all the money made from it will go to help the people who do not have a home. Being a tequila lover and with a good cause, of course I am going! I know that it is a lot to ask, but if you have a spare dollar or whatever currency you use, please consider donating to the rescue brigade "Topos". Topos literally means moles. They gave themselves that name since when they are in rescue missions they are digging in the dark trying to find their way through all the debris, cement and metal. They are a non-profit organization where everyone is a volunteer. They have helped with rescue efforts in Mexico and several other countries in South America. Here is their link: http://www.topos.mx/. If you can't donate, please resteem this post, hopefully it will reach someone that can.
Thank you for your time and support.
Best,