Ines (right) joins her neighbors in Morelos, Mexico in receiving humanitarian aid from the Red Cross in the wake of a 7.1 earthquake. Families have been getting help from the Red Cross since the quake struck—including search-and-rescue and emergency medical care—and today each collect mattresses, stoves, kitchen kits (containing pots, pans, cooking utensils, plates, and bowls), blankets, and food. Most people living in rural areas in Morelos survive on agriculture, growing sugar cane, rice, corn and roses. Many lost their homes to the quake, but have been able to continue growing crops. People who lost their homes are living in tents or with family members, but are struggling to cope with the losses. They carry their goods back by car, motorbike, wheelbarrow, and bicycle. Red Cross volunteers help transport goods to rural areas for people without the strength or means.

The earthquake claimed more than 350 lives in Puebla, Morelos, and the greater Mexico City area. In the disaster’s immediate aftermath, more than 7,000 Mexican Red Cross volunteers mobilized for search and rescue efforts—helping to locate and care for survivors trapped under the rubble. Working around the clock, highly-skilled volunteers provided first aid on the scene, transported the injured to hospitals, and evacuated people from damaged buildings. The American Red Cross has contributed millions of dollars to support relief efforts for two earthquakes that struck Mexico in September: a 7.1 magnitude quake in Puebla (near Mexico City) and an 8.1 magnitude quake in Oaxaca. These funds have been used to purchase kitchen sets and cots—and have supported Mexican Red Cross volunteers to provide food, water, shelter, medical assistance, temporary shelter, psychosocial support, personal hygiene items, household clean-up kits, blankets, mattresses, stoves, and more. The American Red Cross is continuing to work with the Mexican Red Cross to support longer-term recovery activities with the additional funds r