Mexico City residents worried about aftershocks following quake

World Today

In Mexico City, aftershocks have become another lingering cause for concern following the earthquake on Sept. 19, while rescuers are trying to locate survivors.

CGTN’s Jim Spellman has more.

On social media, eyewitnesses capture the relief efforts in Mexico City – neighbors working alongside first responders as they search the rubble for people, or even pets.

“It was horrible, it was horrible,” Silvia Ayala, a Mexico City Resident said. “I felt it more than the one of September 7th. I felt a lot of anguish because I felt everything was moving and it wasn’t stopping.”

They are facing the threat of even more earthquakes. Aftershocks are generally weaker than the main quake, but can do significant damage to already weakened buildings. Rescue teams working in mangled buildings are especially vulnerable.

Near the epicenter in the state of Puebla, people are evacuating the area until the threat of aftershocks subsides.

“We never know what can happen, if there will be an aftershock at midnight,” Antonio Gutierrez, a local resident says. “So it is best for us to leave because in two, three days it will stabilize.”

As rescue efforts continue, messages of hope and support are coming in from around the world.

“China pays close attention to the earthquake in Mexico and the casualties it caused.” Lu Kang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, said in a recent press conference. “We express our deep condolences to the victims, and express our sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, the Mexican government and the people in the afflicted areas.”