Mexico: World Vision emergency staff to assess damage, respond to 7.4 magnitude quake

World Vision emergency staff is heading to affected areas to assess the damage and respond after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Oaxaca, Mexico, located about 115 miles east of Acapulco, Mexico. World Vision has several programmes in the area. Staff in the Mexico City office were forced to evacuate in the quake. Their electricity and internet in the office remains cut off.

“Our office building was shaking and we were all quite scared. This is the largest earthquake we've felt in Mexico City in a long time," said David Munoz, communications manager for World Vision in Mexico. “We’re concerned for the safety of children and their families, both people in the city and on the outskirts live in very densely populated communities with homes that are often built poorly and can't withstand earthquakes this strong.”

World Vision has lost contact with our staff in affected areas on phone, so the emergency response team is now enroute to make direct contact. It's a nine hour drive. Although there are no reports of injuries to any World Vision staff, several of the office buildings have sustained damage. There are also concerns about the possibility of landslides in the mountainous areas of Montaña Amuzga.

World Vision's 350 staff serve some 270,000 children and adults across Mexico, responding to disasters, helping communities develop agriculture, access microfinance and prevent HIV and AIDS, and advocating for vulnerable children, including those living on the streets. World Vision has worked in Mexico for 30 years.