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The latest in the recent numbingly long series of natural disasters hit central Mexico on Tuesday, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that has claimed more than 200 lives so far. It's the latest in a string of natural disasters that have rocked the country in the past weeks, from deadly hurricanes to earthquakes. You can donate to these organizations helping Mexico's earthquake victims to get them back on their feet.
The earthquake ripped through the Mexican states of Puebla, Morelos, and Tlaxcala on Tuesday afternoon, while hitting Mexico City the hardest. At least 225 people were confirmed dead throughout the region, at time of writing, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday morning; over 90 of those deaths occurred in the nation's capital. Miguel Ángel Mancera, the mayor of Mexico City, also stated in a press conference that at least 44 buildings were brought down in the city alone.
Between clearing rubble, triaging victims, and beginning a long-term regional recovery plan, there's a lot of work that will need to be done throughout the affected region in the next few weeks. Anything and everything you can give matters, and if you're not in a place where you can financially afford to donate right now, you can still help by spreading the word about the organizations on this list.
The most important thing is getting resources to the people in need as efficiently as possible, so just do whatever you can to make that happen.
Brigada de Rescate Topos
This group was created after the 1985 earthquake that killed more than 10,000 people in central Mexico — freakily, it happened exactly 32 years to the day before Tuesday's quake. Los Topos perform search and rescue in disaster situations, and they make it really easy for you to support their mission via PayPal.
Project Paz
This group was started by a group of Mexican nationals to help Latinx children in both the U.S. and Mexico. In response to the earthquake, Project Paz is partnering with the El Paso Community Foundation to deliver supplies on the ground in Mexico soon. You can make a tax-free donation here.
World Vision Mexico
National Director of World Vision Mexico Silvia Novoa told Bustle in a statement about the conditions down in Mexico right now:
Overnight in the worst-hit areas, you feel very threatened. It is completely dark for 10 or 20 blocks around with no electricity and no lights. Volunteers have been providing food and water and coffee all night. We've been organizing volunteers carrying stones out of the area — hand by hand they are passing the stones because rescuers cannot use big machines in fear of hurting the people still buried.
The streets have been noisy with people crowded outside. But there are specific hand signs and so people would raise their arms with the hands closed and at that point everybody stays quiet so the experts can listen for people calling for help.
They're already on the ground, and you can help them help others by donating here.
Cruz Roja Mexicana
You can donate online or wire money directly using the bank account number in the tweet above.
UNICEF Mexico
The UN's charitable arm is consistently well-rated for its work, so you know that your money is going to a responsible steward. Donate what you can here.
Global Giving
Global Giving works as a funnel to provide funds for local charities that can't afford big marketing campaigns. If you donate, you can choose to receive regular updates about how the money is being used.
Operation USA
Charity Navigator singled out Operation USA as one of the best organizations to donate to as this tragedy unfolds. Since 1979, the foundation has worked domestically and internationally to help children and their families, so they have decades of disaster relief experience to make your donation count.
Make sure you give what you can for the people affected by the earthquake. So many are starting over with nothing, and the world must not be blind to that suffering.
