Mexico has suffered several severe natural disasters in the past few weeks. Experiencing two earthquakes with a magnitude of over 7 on the Richter scale in only 12 days tested not only our preparedness and infrastructure, but also our mettle and our humaneness. The first earthquake, on September 7, caused a hundred deaths and affected thousands of people in southwestern Mexico. The second, on September 19, has caused more than 320 deaths, as well as extensive property damage in central Mexico.
After the earthquakes, the international community immediately demonstrated its support and Mexico gratefully accepts the help of all countries. Heads of State and Government from countries in every region of the world, local officials and international organizations have sent messages of solidarity and expressed their readiness to help those affected.
Since the beginning of the search and rescue operations on the afternoon of September 19, Mexico has had technical assistance from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the form of UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams, whose specific mandate is to provide advice and help coordinate and manage information in emergencies.
To date, Mexico has received technical and material assistance from 23 countries, as well as from the UN and the European Union, which sent a total of 501 people, 32 canine units, equipment and tons of humanitarian aid. Mexico thanks Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Germany, the Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Panama, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United States and Venezuela.
It also appreciates the generous offers of support received from Armenia, Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palestine, Paraguay, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Mexico has informed these countries of the specific needs determined by Civil Protection, including large tents, ecological bathrooms and kitchens, water purifiers and help during the reconstruction phase.
Society in general, nongovernmental organizations and businesses have joined in this noble cause, conveying their condolences and showing their desire to help through our embassies and consulates. The Foreign Ministry, in coordination with the Tax Administration Service (SAT-SHCP), has established a channel to accelerate the receipt of in-kind aid from abroad.
Mexico is deeply appreciative for the gestures of solidarity from the international community and knows that it has sincere friends all around the world.