Mexico Earthquake - Health Care and Relief Support - Canadian Red Cross 2017

September 2017 – Successive earthquakes including one of a magnitude of 7.1 struck Mexico and affected more than 1.5 million people. Thousands of families were left homeless and numerous buildings were destroyed. Mexico City was heavily affected and a state of emergency was declared for 122 municipalities in the state of Puebla and 33 municipalities in the state of Morelos. The Mexican Red Cross Society has deployed more than 12 000 volunteers to respond to the crisis but the needs are extensive. With GAC's support the Canadian Red Cross is providing support for the relief operations of the Mexican Red Cross Society. Project activities include: (1) providing health care services such as pre-hospital and hospital care; (2) helping to reunite families with separated relatives; and (3) distributing relief supplies (kitchen kits hygiene kits shelter supplies).

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved access to healthcare; and (2) increased access to basic household items. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.