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PWRDF monitoring recovery efforts in Mexico

Traditional midwives of Kinal. (file photo)

September 21, 2017

By Janice Biehn

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Updated on October 19, 2017

On the anniversary of the 1985 earthquake that devastated Mexico City, the city again is reeling from a 7.1 magnitude quake that hit Tuesday afternoon. Geologists say it is not related to the stronger earthquake September 7, whose epicentre was 400 km away off the southern coast of Mexico, but which was felt in the capital city.

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund offers continued prayers to survivors as they grapple with the work of digging out and restoring the necessities of life. The death toll has been reported at 217; 44 buildings in Mexico City have toppled.

PWRDF has agreed to send $10,000 to partner KINAL, an organization of Indigenous midwives who have been severely affected. The midwives of Juchitán and those living in the indigenous community of San Mateo del Mar in Oaxaca have lost their homes. This is the community of two midwives who recently attended the International Congress of Midwives in Toronto as guests of PWRDF.

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday issued the following statement:

“It is with sadness that we learned of the devastating earthquake in Mexico this afternoon. Canada sends its condolences to families and friends in mourning, and hopes for a speedy recovery for the injured. To date, we have no reports of Canadian casualties.

“Canadians share the deep sorrow of the people of Mexico who have been severely tested by natural disasters in the past few weeks. We have faith in their strength and resilience. The Government of Canada is ready to assist Mexico as needed and appropriate.”

PWRDF will announce when a specific appeal has been launched for Mexico, but in the meantime, those wishing to donate to relief efforts through PWRDF may do so by writing “emergency relief” on their cheques or choosing “emergency relief” from the drop down menu on our Canada Helps page.

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For media requests please contact Communications Coordinator Janice Biehn at (416) 924-9199;366.

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