So, in my short time in Mexico I have managed to survive not one, but twoĀ major earthquakes in Mexico City. Of course,Ā there have always beenĀ earthquakes in MexicoĀ City and in Mexico in general, but these were some of the biggest that the country has seen. This is the story about what happened to me during and after both of these huge earthquakes in Mexico City.
Before I start, if you are looking for practical advice about what to do during earthquakes in Mexico City, then please read Northern Lauren’s The Anxious Girl’s Guide to Earthquake Etiquette. The first part is tongue-in-cheek (and a hilarious read), but there’s also some important and practical information about what to do during earthquakes at the end.
Oh Mom, Stop Your Worrying About Earthquakes
I’d been in Mexico City just five days, working from my laptop and doing a bit of sightseeing. It had rained for nearly the entirety of those five days and I had been joking with my fellow travel buddy, Karina, that she was bringing us bad luck with the weather. In search of warmer climes, she journeyed south to Oaxaca and I caught up with my mom on Skype.
“There’s been a documentary on the BBC about Mexico,“ my mom told me.Ā “ItĀ saidĀ there are lots of earthquakes in Mexico City. You will be safe, won’t you?”
Oh, Mom! I scoffed. Quit your worrying! I’m sure it’s fine. I travelled earthquake-prone Indonesia without feeling a tremor, Southeast AsiaĀ without a serious typhoon and I lived at the bottom of the most active volcano in Europe in Catania, Sicily. What were the chances, really?
Turns out, pretty high.
The First EarthquakeĀ Hits off the Coast of Oaxaca
That night, I was reading in the third-floor room of my hostel when I started to get annoyed. It was just pastĀ midnight. The woman in the bunk above mine was fidgeting like crazy, and it was rocking the bed and driving me mad.
To top it off, someone’s key wasĀ jammed in the dorm room door and they were rattling the handle back and forth, trying to get in.
It wasn’t until I sawĀ the locker door next to my bed was swinging of its own volitionĀ that I realisedĀ something was wrong. I stood up andĀ felt the whole building moving.
My dorm mates started to wake up. I went to the door and opened it –Ā isn’t there some thingĀ about how you should always stand in a doorway during an earthquake? (alternative fact checker: this is actually not a good idea).
I saw that people were evacuating the building, so I grabbed my phone and some flip-flops and followed suit. I wasn’t sure if the ground was still shaking, or if I was.
Out in the street, I sat down on a curb and tried to calm my nerves. My phone died. Alarms were going off everywhere. I later learned that there is a siren that gives a one-minute warning for earthquakes in Mexico City because the epicentre is usually off the coast, so there is time for warning before it makes its way to the capital.
However, in the third-floor room of my hostel, which had no exterior windows, I didn’t hear anything.
My Spanish is currently limited to si, no, gracias, paraguas, un capuchinoĀ con leche light por favor and DES-PAS-CITO! Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito! Therefore, I had no idea what was going on.
After an hour and a half of shivering in my pyjamas, I decided that aftershocks were unlikely andĀ went back up to the room. Checking BBC News, I saw that the earthquake had been 8.2 on the Richter scaleĀ and had hit off the coast of Oaxaca (told you Karina was unlucky – Sorry, Karina!).
After making sureĀ that Karina was fine and messaging my mom and boyfriend with: “ThereĀ“s been an earthquake. I think it’s kinda a big deal, but I’m fine.” Only the next day did I realise just how big it was in terms of impact and in global news.
I tried to get some sleep, but, needless to say, every time someone opened the door or moved in a bed, I immediately snapped back awake.
Aftermath of Earthquake Number 1
Reaching 8.2 on the Richter scale, this was the strongest earthquake in Mexico in a hundred years. Many places around Oaxaca were devastated, many people displaced and at least 90 people were killed.
In Mexico City, the next day carried on as normal and people started collecting aid for those affected in the south. People praised the way the city had been rebuilt after the 1985 earthquake, which hadĀ killed tens of thousands, and this seemed to have prevented any damage this time around.
I messaged concerned friends and family. Yes, I was OK. AndĀ I was safe. Yes, I was doing everything I could to stay safe. No, I didn’t need anything. Yes, I was fine.
A week or so passed. After the initial shock of being in one of the stongest ever earthquakes in Mexico City, I was adjusting to life in the capital and settling into Mexico. I moved out of my hostel in the Centro Historico and into a hostel in Condesa –Ā a nice area with lots of cafes.
I met up with Mariana, a lovely girl from Mexico whom I had met in San Francisco. She even invited me to stay with her, as she lived in the Condesa area anyway and had a cat (this sealed the deal). We arranged that I would stay from the following Tuesday to Sunday.
On Friday 15th and Saturday 16th, I celebrated Mexican Independence.
The only mishap was s a little coffee incident with my laptop, which meant the keyboard part had to go to a repair shop for cleaning. But, I was hopeful it was nothing to worry about. I’d get it back within two days.
I Skyped my mom again and we laughed about the earthquake and the irony that it happened the exact same day that she had warned me about earthquakes in Mexico City. But, that was my bad luck out the way now, right?
What are the chances of two big earthquakes in Mexico City happening so close together?
Turns out, pretty high.
Earthquake 2, The Bigg’Un
Tuesday 18th September was also the anniversary of the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City. Mariana messaged me to warn me that the siren usually goes off on this day, so I shouldn’t be alarmed. Also, many places do their earthquake drills as well, but don’t worry.
I checked out of my Condesa hostel in the morning, ready to move in with Mariana in the evening. Without a functioning laptop to work from, I decided to head back into the Centro Historico andĀ visit the Palacio Nacional and Palacio de Bellas-Artes, first stopping for brunch in the El Cardenal cafe.
I was just sipping the last drops of my coffee and placing my money down on the table for the bill, when I felt the the earth begin to move again.
This time, I recognised what was happeningĀ straight away and this time, I knew the quake was much bigger. There was no warning, no siren, no time to feel it grow. It started with an almighty shudder. I learnt later that the epicentre was close by, in Puebla, so there was no time for warnings.
The host at the cafe blew a whistle and everyone ran out of the cafe and into the square outside. As I ranĀ out,Ā I saw huge chunks of stone from the roof of a nearby building fly off into the air and crash down onto the square.
I’m not embarrassed to say I completely panicked. The crowds of people gathering in the square quickly stood in lines to be counted, calmly calling loved ones even before the shaking had stopped. Meanwhile, I was having a little cryĀ into my t-shirt.
After the shaking passed, we stayed on the square for maybe an hour or so before people started moving again. We went back inside the cafe, I paid the bill and tried, mostly successfully, to calm myself down. I messaged my mom and Rob informing them of the earthquake and telling them that I was safe.
Aftermath of Earthquake Number 2
This was when a man in a high-vis vest came inside the cafe and in a very panicked tone said something in Spanish along the lines of: “What the hell are you all doing still inside here?! This building isn’t safe! You need to leave right now!”
In my limited experience with earthquakes in Mexico City, I could tell this was vastlyĀ different to the earthquake I had experienced a week or so before. As I walked aimlessly around the Centro Historico,Ā yellow tape was being wrapped aroundĀ the majority of buildings.
Hundreds of people were outside, many in the park next to the Bellas-Artes, unable to go back into their buildings, but unsure where they should be going instead. I saw debris on the floor, cracks in the sides of buildings and heard broken glass crunch under my feet.
I walked down one of the main shopping streets, back towards the Zocalo square,Ā where shopkeepers and restaurant owners were pulling down their shutters. The city was closing down.
Once I got to the Zocalo, I saw thatĀ pieces of the beautiful cathedral’s exterior had broken off and had smashed onto the floor below. Ominously, the Mexican flag was flying at half-maste.Ā The atmosphere was tense. Everyone looked lost.
Was it only a few days ago that half a million people had crowded into this square for Independence Day celebrations? The red, green and white decorations were still up on the surrounding buildings.
Stuck in the Centro Historico
Unable to find anywhere to charge my dying phone, I decided to try and head back to Condesa, not realising that this was the worst hit area in the city. The metro barriers were up, as public transportĀ had been made free, but I spent an hour on the platform without managing to get on a train.
Five trains came and went, but they were packed full.
Defeated, I decided I would ask at my previous Centro Historico hostel, which was nearby, if I could charge my phone there. They were very obliging.
Then, I received messages from Mariana saying that she had been told to evacuate her building. Then, I received messages from my Condesa hostel roomie, Apidz, saying that there was no electricity in the whole of Condesa. And then, I overheard people saying that the metro had now been closed and the crazy traffic meant there was no way they could get back to Condesa either.
I was stuck.
Luckily, the hostel had beds. So, even though I had nothing with me but the clothes I had on, my phone, some money and a guide book, I decided it was best if I stay in the Centro Historico for a night and try to get back to Condesa and my luggage in the morning.
I combed the streets, finally finding somewhere open that was selling food. Back at the hostel, I drank all the beers with other ‘survivors’ who weren’t sure what to do with themselves either. We drank, exchanged travel stories and laughed.
It was nice to talk about something other than earthquakes.
The Day After
This morning (Wednesday), I was told repeatedly by several local people that the best thing I could do is leave the city. And I would gladly make my way to Guadalajara that little bit earlier, if it wasn’t for the fact I would be leaving half of my laptop behind.
Obviously, the repair shop isn’t open. Very few stores, restaurants or cafes have been open today. I made the decision to come back to Condesa and get my bag and decide from there.
Condesa has it’s electricity back, but the area is still suffering from the damage. The owner of the Condesa hostel I’m staying at estimates over 20 buildings have fallen and there are still a couple of big ones that are due to fall at any moment. She described a feeling of “hurt” that is being felt by the people in this area.
Walking aroundĀ Condesa today, I’ve been amazed by just how many volunteers there are on the streets. Everyone is wearing high-vis vests, gloves and face masks – indications that they have been helping to clear away rubble. There are lines of hundreds of people passing resources to be sorted, packaged and delivered to those in need.
People on bicycles and scooters, weaving in and out ofĀ unmoving traffic and transporting resources in their backpacks. Collection points and first-aid stops on every corner. Military and military police everywhere. Even people making sandwiches for those working hard to repair the city.
It’s incredibly inspiring.
At the time of writing, the BBC estimate the death toll to be 230, but I expect that number will rise much higher in the coming days. Many people are still missing and many of the city’s buildings are still in a dangerous state. There are still children trapped under rubble.
But, if thereĀ“s one thing IĀ“veĀ learnt about earthquakes in Mexico City, itĀ“s that Mexican people are strong, resilient and selfless. Internet providers have released access codes to make all of their networks free to use. Thousands of people are volunteeringĀ to clear rubble and rescue survivors.
Nearby my hostel, thereĀ“s a doctor who is taking in pets from people whoĀ can’t go back into their homes.
Literally, everyone is doing whatever they can to help.
I have never seen a group of people pull together in this distinct wayĀ before.
Hopefully, the city can repair itself and get back to normal soon, but if you would like any advice about earthquakes in Mexico City or would like to find a way to help, please read the info below.
What to do during earthquakes in Mexico City
- Ahead of time, make sure you understand the evacuation procedure and/or meeting point for the building you are staying in. If concerned, requestĀ a room on a lower floor.
- Keep a pair of slip-on shoes and a jacket next to your bed.Ā If your phone is prone to losing battery life quickly, make sure you have a power pack or something on standby.
- Read Northern Lauren’s The Anxious Girl’s Guide to Earthquake Etiquette (practical advice at the bottom).
- Check in with the BBC for news and Twitter for instant updates.
- Note that the emergency number in Mexico is 911.
- Ready.gov has some useful advice on earthquakes as well as tsunamis.
- I know it’s hard and I’m a bad example, but remain calm. Trust your instinct. Listen to others, especially local people who have experienced many earthquakes before.
- Message your mom to let her know you’re safe!
How to help those affected by the earthquakes in Mexico City and beyond
This is not my image, but I saw this circulating on Twitter and it has everything you need to know.
A Tale of Two Earthquakes in Mexico City
Phew. So, that’s my personal story of surviving two major earthquakes in Mexico City in my first few weeksĀ in this country. My thoughts are with everyone affected, many far worse off than I am, and the amazing people who are donatingĀ their time and money to help.
This would be utterly petrifying to me. Happy to hear how people pulled together though!
Haha! It kind of was, but things are better now. Yeah, it’s really inspiring seeing how people are pulling together.
Excellent and inspiring blog
Thank you, Hen! Glad you liked it. Hope it didn’t make you worry too much!
Wow Amy, quite the experience, it sounds petrifying! Glad to hear you’re okay though and honestly, you sound cool as a cucumber as you write hehe.
I really like the mention of how much people are helping each other out, that’s so important to hear and that’s all everyone can do in these situations, right?
Thanks for sharing and hope your trip becomes more relaxing soon!
Hey Lula, how are you? Yeah, it was pretty terrifying at the time, but things are moving on now. The only thing to do is have a sense of humour about things! Glad you enjoyed reading. I hope things calm down soon too!
I’ve lived through earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes, just recently Irma.
Earthquakes are so scary because you can’t prepare. Hopefully everyone will recover and rebuild
Hi Christine. Oh my goodness, I hope you’re OK after Irma! Sounds like you’ve had an eventful life! Same, I hope recovery is swift.
thank you for writing this! this is amazing, I still cannot believe what has happened! Man Mother Nature is someone you just don’t want to piss on! loved the video aspect as well!
Hi Krista, thanks! I can’t quite believe it either. I’ve never done those sorts of videos before, but thought it was important to show what was happening. Glad you liked it.
Wow, so sad. So many crazy natural disasters have been happening across the world lately.
I know, right? Hurricanes/typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions… and those are the ones that aren’t manmade. I know they can’t all be connected, but it’s still weird.
Oh my god girl! What are the chances you were there for that?! So happy you’re okay, and thanks for sharing the experience. Your mom must have been freaking out haha! Also I literally laughed out loud at your spanish vocabulary LOL
I know, right? Thanks, I’m all fine – don’t worry! And yes, I think she still is! There was another earthquake today, but it wasn’t felt in the capital and she messaged me straight away, even though I hadn’t wanted to worry her with it! Ha! Mucho gracias!
Oh my God! I got goosebumps while reading this post. This is some real bad luck. But so much to learn. My heart goes to the people affected by this. Earthquakes are so scary and you have survived 2 :O More power to you!
Oh wow, goosebumps? Thank you! And yes, my luck hasn’t been great recently, but I’m still in one piece, so I’m still lucky. Thanks for reading.
I got really teary during your article. I don’t have any family in Mexico City but I have a ton in Guadalajara who I immediately thought of when I read this article. My family is selfless, resilient, and the Mexican people are too. In my many experiences visiting and traveling throughout the country, I have felt such love from family, new friends and even strangers. My family in the US all live in Los Angeles California. . . big Earthquake always a far off threat to californians and lots of West Coast residents up on that fault line. We should inform ourselves when we travel and we should also show compassion and chip in when we can and if we have ANY MEANS to do it financially, physically, emotionally. The times are getting tough all over the americas and it’s time we start acknowledging that we have to HELP OURSELVES and EACH OTHER. it’s such a basic thing we can all do.
Oh man, I’m sorry, didn’t mean to make you tear up! And I’m actually heading to Guadalajara tomorrow. It’s been beautiful to watch everyone working together and kind of… life-affirming? You know, that no matter what, when it really matters the human instinct it to protect and help each other. Yeah, I hear that California is gearing up for a big one soon – just be as prepared as you can be.
A really engaging read, but I’m so sorry you had to go through that. We were due to fly to Mexico City this week, but thanks to Hurricane Irma, our plans have changed. Stay safe
Oh wow, so you’ve been affected by the hurricanes as well! To be honest, it might be better to delay your trip anyway. A lot of tourist sites are still closed or partially closed. Hope your insurance can help you out. And hope you weren’t caught up in the actual storm as well? Stay safe.
Wow! Truly amazing. Glad you are safe and thank you for telling your story!
Thank you and I’m glad too! Thanks for reading.
OMG. What an experience for you. I’m glad you’re safe! It reminds everyone what nature can do and how little we are. It’s good to hear, that people help each other in such a catastrophe
That’s so true. Hurricanes, earthquakes and volcano explosions. Really, we’re all guests on this planet. But, yes, amazing watching humans pull together and act so selflessly. Thanks for reading.
Wow! You’ve been through a lot these past few weeks! I am glad that you are safe and in one piece. I am also glad for all the volunteers and residents out there who are helping you–and each other–cope with all the destruction and pain caused by the earthquake. Hope you will be able to go home soon!
Haha a fair bit, but really I know I’m lucky. Yep, all the love to those volunteering, helping and donating! Planning to be in Mexico until Christmas, so home it doesn’t send me home, really! Thanks for reading.
This was such an interesting read, thanks for sharing! I’m not sure what I would do if I were in that situation, probably panic a bit! It sucks that things like this happen, but sounds like everybody there is doing their best to deal with the aftermath!
Thanks, glad you liked it! I’ve still no idea – the siren went off again this morning and I still had no idea other than grab some shoes and head outside! The work that people are doing here is incredible. Thanks for reading.
This was so terrifying š I hope you are ok!
Carmelatte
Pretty scary at the time, but trying not to let it get to me. Sometimes I hear a loud noise or something move when I’m sleeping, and it makes my heart speed up a little, but other than that you just have to get on with it.
That is such a crazy experience to have, I can’t imagine how terrifying it was to be in that situation. I always thought it was best to stand under a doorway too! I love that you’ve used this experience to spread awareness and help people who need it in Mexico right now. I’m glad you’re safe!
It was pretty scary and yeah, not exactly what I expected. It was a lot quieter than I thought it would be. Strange, but in the movies it always seems so loud, but I guess that’s the music and sound effects making it more dramatic. Thanks for reading – glad you found it useful!
Wow, I’m so glad you’re ok! Those sound like terrifying experiences!!
Thanks Julia, I’m all good now, don’t worry. Only a little bit terrifying! Thanks for reading!
Wow girl must have been a horrific experience! It’s sad what’s been happening around the world with all these natural disasters. Hopefully they can rebuild soon.
A little horrific, but it’s so weird, it’s over so quickly. But then, there’s all the aftermath to deal with. And I know, right? Hurricanes, volcano eruptions, earthquakes! Thanks for reading.
Oh my, what an adventure. I’m glad you are safe! I never experienced an earthquake and I hope I never will, but it’s so sad that they are so difficult to predict. So many lives could be saved.
Haha! Certainly feels like an adventure! Yeah, it’s the prediction part that’s so difficult. Usually the earthquakes hit off the coast and there’s a one-minute warning siren here in Mexico City (it actually went off this morning with the smaller earthquake that happened in the south), but this one hit too nearby for the siren to go off, which is scary.
I live in Michigan and I would not know what to do during an earthquake like that. I am glad you shared so that others know what to do if they are traveling and happen to get themselves into place where there are earthquakes. We only had some very small ones here never anything to make the news about.
Yeah, I figured it would be the best thing to do to spread awareness about what to do and how to help. Even small ones can be scary! Thanks for reading – glad you found it useful.
Oh my goodness! I am so glad you are ok. I know this was a crazy experience. I was in my first earthquake while in Mexico as well. It’s very scary if you’ve never experienced this before!
Oh wow, how strong was the earthquake you experienced? It is super-scary. Hopefully I’m done with earthquakes for a while! Thanks for reading.
Thank you for sharing this, the news shows one particular side to it but it was so interesting to hear your story (glad you’re safe). Hopefully Mexico gets the help it needs to heal and rebuild where possible. <3
Exactly – it’s so true that you only see one side of it on the news. I wanted to share the positive as well – not just the destruction caused by the quakes, but the amazing people who are helping clear the rubble and rebuild the city.
Oh my goodness. What a terrifying experience! I’m so glad you are okay. Very inspiring to hear how everyone is pulling together, though. I hope those still underneath rubble are rescued very soon. And I truly hope that was your last earthquake in Mexico City! …or anywhere for that matter. š
Thanks, I hope so too! Just two is enough for one lifetime, I think! I believe everyone who can be rescued has been now – people have worked tirelessly for days. It’s amazing.
Oh my goodness, what are the chances of this! It sounds like quite the experience, so glad you’re safe. I never think about natural disaster when I travel, but they seem to be getting more and more common, maybe it’s time I learn a bit of emergency response tips!
I know! What are the chances?! Yeah, it’s definitely going to make me do my research on natural disasters before visiting somewhere. Even just know an evacuation point or something. Thanks for reading.
That was devastating!! Glad you are safe!
Oh my gosh that must have been terrifying! Thankfully I’ve never been in an earthquake (only a hurricane) but watching that view you posted makes me get chills! So glad you’re okay, and those poor people who live in earthquake prone areas š
Thanks for sharing this!
Oh Gosh! Two earthquakes and what irony! I would have probably panicked too. it’s really good to know what to do in case of such an emergency and what not to do ofcourse. I’m so glad you are fine. Much strength and power to the people of Mexico.
Oh!. What a terrifying experience! Iām so glad you are safe. Itās good to hear, that people help each other.
You conveyed the feelings of being in an earthquake very well. I too have been in a few but nothing at all like these. So sorry for the poor people affected. Glad you are safe. …and your poor mother! How she must have worried. I can only imagine how I would have felt.
Wow. I was completely captivated by your story. I can’t even imagine how terrifying it must have been for that first earthquake and given all the devastating effects of the second. Thank you for sharing all the tips that you’ve learned from these experiences so that others will be prepared in these situations.
I wouldnāt have known what to do! That is a scary situation. Iām so glad you made it through. Itās been so inspiring to see how people have come together to help one another.
Wow earthquakes are scary, glad you are ok. I have experienced a couple when I was traveling in Japan. Both times I was on a high floor so it was terrifying. Luckily with the way things are built in Japan there was really no damage.
I have never been through an earthquake as I live on the east coast, but it sounds and looks absolutely petrifying. I’ve been through plenty of hurricanes, which can be prepared for, but nothing like this. I’m happy to hear you are okay. It’s devastating to hear about those who didn’t make it out okay. I hope Mexico City will recover soon.
Wow can’t believe you were there for both…and what a coincidence about the anniversary. This must have been harrowing…especially since the lyrics to Despacito won’t help you in a crisis! LOL. Great read and good to know some tips. I’m from Miami…hurricane prep is similar but still very different. So glad you are ok and happy for the tips of how to help in Mexico.
Geez. That is so scary. And I totally would have told my mom to quit worrying too. Good to know that you are not supposed to stand in a doorway because that’s what Inwould have done. Good reminder to always be prepared because I never check evacuation plans.
This is so crazy! I’m so glad you’re Ok! I actually have been trying to think of ways to help out with both the earthquake victims and hurricane victims so this was a great help!
Wow! I’m from Miami so I have seen my fair share of devasting hurricanes. But the thing with hurricanes is you get days and days to prepare and evacuate. Earthquakes frighten me cause they’re so sudden with barely any warning. I’ve never been in one but can just imagine the chaos you saw! So glad you were safe! I love seeing how people help one another after catastrophes like this. Saw it after Irma here in Miami. It’s just incredible!
Oh my goodness, what an account! I have been mostly offline for the past few weeks and only knew little of a couple of earthquakes. I was in Mexico City at this time last year and loved the city so much! I remember a tour guide pointing out a new building that had been built to withstand huge earthquakes. How terrifying, glad you are OK!
Earthquakes are so scary!! Glad you’re okay, this was a crazy read. There was an earthquake in my hometown and it woke everyone up and cracked one building and that one felt insane. Can’t even imagine a really big one
That would be such a terrifying experience- good on you for keeping your head on. (FYI I thought doorways were safe too…lol). I’m glad you are ok and my hearts go out to everyone affected.
It’s heartbreaking to hear what’s been going on in the rest of the world. Great that you’re promoting the message of lending a hand!
Wow! Reading your account of what it was like to be there during the quakes, I probably would’ve panicked. I’ve been in a couple of small tremors in California and Indonesia and it’s a weird feeling. Seeing all the images in the media is really frightening.
Wow, how scary! My mom is the sort of simiar when it comes to traveling. As a kid, we had to move to Japan for my dad’s job, and my mom was so worried about earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. We lived there three years, and experienced only one small earthquake (that she ended up sleeping through) and one mild typhoon that barely did any damage. From then on, I teased her about her “irrational” fears. Maybe I shouldn’t after reading this! It’s unfortunate that your mom ended up being right in this case, but I’m so glad you made it safely through this ordeal!
I’m so glad that you’re safe! Thank you for sharing your experience and what the aftermath has been like.
Sending lots of love and hoping things are starting to come back together.
Wow what an experience! I love that you gave us ways to help!
So crazy, loved your post. Glad to hear you’re safe. Prayers!
-Ashley
What an experience to go through. All of these earthquakes have left me getting my emergency kit together up here in Portland as they say we are overdue. Thanks for the read!
After watching so much coverage from the media with their own twist on what happened in Mexico, it was really refreshing to read your account. I can’t imagine what that would have been like and I think I would have had more than one cry into my t-shirt. I didn’t even know Mexico was renowned for earthquakes to the extent that it warranted a BBC doco. This was really insightful to read. Great job.
Wow! What an experience. So glad that you are safe and doing ok. I hope to be able to help this community in any way possible.
Wow. Absolutely crazy that you arrived in time for both earthquakes. But also inspiring how people are coming together to clean up and help out. Too bad your knowledge of Despacito isn’t helping with the language barrier š
That is truly terrifying – to experience, not one, but two extreme earthquakes. I can’t even imagine what I would do in a situation like that. It sounds like you handled it with such grace…props to you! I’m so happy to hear that you’re doing okay, and I love that everyone pulled together to help those that needed it most!
Wow what a scary experience, I am so glad you made it out ok and are safe..yikes! And you are one brave girl to stay i n a hostel..there is no way I could!
xo
Valerie
These poor people who had to deal with two earthquakes! So sad!
Can you provide us with updates? Seeing so many volunteers is bittersweet. I’m glad you’re safe and hope your mom isn’t worried sick.
I’m sure it was a terrifying experience for you, I feel sad for those people who live and survive in the area. How difficult it mush have been for them. We in Delhi feel tremors whenever there’s an earthquake in nearby countries – like the one in Nepal recently and even those minor tremors scare the hell out of us. Can’t imagine how to managed to pull through being a tourist yourself and a place with language barrier. Hoping you’re safe now!
This is so scary I don’t know what I would do. I’m glad everyone has come together to help. I listen to NPR daily to here updates on the recovery efforts.
Omg! Thatās really terrifying. Glad that you held your own and made it through. I was in Sri Lanka recently when the hotel issued a tsunami warning. So I understand how petrifying it can be to be actually hit by a disaster!
Reading this makes the experience so real. We’re scheduled to visit Mexico City in a few weeks and while we are hopeful that no earthquakes happen in the near future, we’re conscious that for those who live there, this is a real threat.
evil endures when good people standby and do nothing. Please do more tell about the goverment not help the people and how they took the money and put it in there own pockets so be careful how you donate your money even that can go not where you think.
Great post! Few people can tell that story from so up front! It sounds just terrifying, but thank you for sharing! I will definitely prepare myself more for earthquakes when visiting Mexico… Earthquakes are not really a thing I take into consideration due to the fact that they don’t happen at all in my country. So, thank you for a great told story and for making me aware of my lack of preparation š