Mexico quake: World Vision readies to respond following strongest earthquake in a century - Spokespeople available

As the full extent of the earthquake damage in southern Mexico is being revealed, World Vision staff are on the ground assessing quake-struck communities and ready to support those affected.

At least 58 people have been killed by the earthquake that has sparked mass evacuations and has been described as the country's strongest in a century.

Guillermo Lozano Leo, World Vision Mexico's HEA Director, who is based in Mexico City, said: "This is the strongest earthquake to affect Mexico since the 1985 quake that killed more than 5,000 people. Staff were woken to the swaying of buildings and news of the tsunami threat. Power blackouts have affected parts of the city. Schools have been closed.

"Our biggest concern is for children. Not only can they be terrified by such large quakes but many families live in very poor quality homes that are prone to collapse. We are currently assessing the situation to find out how impacted areas nearest the coast are."

The worst hit area is Juchitan in Oaxaca state. World Vision World Vision is working with churches and local governments in the area, and is poised to respond.

Leo added: "We are assessing which villages where have been impacted and we are ready to provide assistance. Our staff are trained to handle emergency situations just like this, responding with aid goods and partnering with the government to get humanitarian assistance to those who need it most.”

The quake struck at 23:50 local time on Thursday (04:50 GMT Friday), with the epicentre in the southeastern Chiapas region. World Vision has development projects in Chiapas state and works with the families of 7,300 sponsored children and their communities.

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