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15 horrifying photos that reveal how bad the Mexico City earthquake really is
This is such a terrible disaster. Donate today to help!
Ryan Aliapoulios
09.21.17

This summer has brought with it many natural disasters.

After Hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit Texas and Florida, Hurricane Maria rolled in over Puerto Rico doing major damage as well. Still, it isn’t only the United States that has been affected by severe weather this season. Most recently, a remarkably strong 7.1 earthquake struck Mexico City and shook it to the core. Although the city is still dealing with the damages, at least 216 people have lost their lives as a result so far.

Still, while the damage is understandable in the abstract, images of the damage help to explain how serious the situation is.

Almost immediately after the earthquake, many users took to the internet to upload photos and videos of just how severe things were.

To give an idea of how serious it is, here are 15 pictures showing the effects of the Mexico City earthquake.

1. Volunteers and public servants scramble to rescue people amidst the wreckage of this building.

twitter.com/HarringtonBecca
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twitter.com/HarringtonBecca

2. The streets packed with evacuees just moments after sirens sounded.

twitter.com/NBCNightlyNews
Source:
twitter.com/NBCNightlyNews

3. Many buildings collapsed, trapping people inside the wreckage.

twitter.com/NBCNightlyNews via AP Photos, Rebecca Blackwell
Source:
twitter.com/NBCNightlyNews via AP Photos, Rebecca Blackwell

4. A man saved from a collapsing building by standing under this arched doorway, which remained intact.

theatlantic.com via AP Photos, Marco Ugarte
Source:
theatlantic.com via AP Photos, Marco Ugarte

5. Rescuers called for silence on the scene so that the calls of any trapped people could be heard.

theatlantic.com via Pedro Pardo
Source:
theatlantic.com via Pedro Pardo

6. Much of the damage was caused by heavy falling debris like the bricks and ceiling fixtures seen here.

slate.com via Reuters, Claudia Daut
Source:
slate.com via Reuters, Claudia Daut

7. Impromptu lists like these are being made to show passersby who has already been rescued.

twitter.com/rafafc91
Source:
twitter.com/rafafc91

8. In other areas, improvised medical clinics are being set up to treat the wounded.

twitter.com/rafafc91
Source:
twitter.com/rafafc91

9. Aerial views of dust and fire showed just how much of the city was affected by the shaking.

twitter.com/HausOfEndy
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twitter.com/HausOfEndy

10. Despite the chaos, Mexico City showed their strength and solidarity in banding together to help people trapped in buildings.

twitter.com/bob_TD
Source:
twitter.com/bob_TD

11. In some places, wreckage and debris from fallen buildings was piled high enough to block off certain streets.

twitter.com/HurricaneData
Source:
twitter.com/HurricaneData

12. Citizens made assembly lines to move debris away from individuals who were trapped more quickly.

twitter.com/danirauhlx
Source:
twitter.com/danirauhlx

13. Many parked vehicles were crushed falling debris as well.

theatlantic.com via Reuters, Claudia Daut
Source:
theatlantic.com via Reuters, Claudia Daut

14. Many search and rescue missions are still underway all throughout the city.

abcnews.go.com
Source:
abcnews.go.com

15. In the midst of the chaos, one of the rescuers even found a dog trapped in the rubble, still alive.

abcnews.go.com
Source:
abcnews.go.com

Though the damage inflicted on Mexico City so far has been serious, many people are still in danger and the city needs help. If you were moved by the images in this story, consider donating through Unicef Mexico or Topos Mexico. Every little bit helps!

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