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 isnโt 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.
2. The streets packed with evacuees just moments after sirens sounded.
3. Many buildings collapsed, trapping people inside the wreckage.
4. A man saved from a collapsing building by standing under this arched doorway, which remained intact.
5. Rescuers called for silence on the scene so that the calls of any trapped people could be heard.
6. Much of the damage was caused by heavy falling debris like the bricks and ceiling fixtures seen here.
7. Impromptu lists like these are being made to show passersby who has already been rescued.
8. In other areas, improvised medical clinics are being set up to treat the wounded.
9. Aerial views of dust and fire showed just how much of the city was affected by the shaking.
10. Despite the chaos, Mexico City showed their strength and solidarity in banding together to help people trapped in buildings.
11. In some places, wreckage and debris from fallen buildings was piled high enough to block off certain streets.
12. Citizens made assembly lines to move debris away from individuals who were trapped more quickly.
13. Many parked vehicles were crushed falling debris as well.
14. Many search and rescue missions are still underway all throughout the city.
15. In the midst of the chaos, one of the rescuers even found a dog trapped in the rubble, still alive.
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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