Some 1.5 million people in southern Mexico – principally in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas – have been affected by the September 7 earthquake.
Many homes have been destroyed or are inhabitable, dozens of communities are without electricity and running water, while thousands are being housed in temporary shelters.
Many of the emergency supplies required are being channeled through the Mexican Red Cross, while the nation’s armed forces are helping with their delivery. Donations of food and other materials are still being sought and can be made at Cruz Roja centros de acopio throughout the country, as well as locations set up by other organizations and institutions, such as the Family Development Agency (DIF) and many universities.
There has been some confusion as relief agencies highlight different donation needs. The Oaxaca government – perhaps closer to the ground than many – lists the most useful donations to be bottled water, blankets, tinned foods, dried milk, cooking oil, sugar, salt, clothes in good condition, first-aid kits, wet wipes, toilet paper, diapers and soap.
Various bank accounts have opened to receive financial donations. Among these are the Red Cross, the Mexican Senate, the government of Oaxaca and DIF Chiapas.
Google has also activated a tool to make donations to the earthquake relief effort.