On Sept. 19, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake surprised Mexico the same day the country was remembering an earthquake that occurred exactly 32 years prior.

Many buildings collapsed, leaving people and animals trapped in rubble. The local residents took upon themselves to help those in need. They have been working day and night alongside the military and the “Brigada de Rescate Topos Tlaltelolco, A.C.”  also known as Topos [moles].

The Topos do national and international rescues. It began as a group of volunteers after the 1985 earthquake in Mexico.

Some CSUSM students, staff and faculty have been affected by this earthquake. Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (MEChA) hosted a meeting for people to discuss the situation. Students and staff such as Chief of Police Scott Ybarrondo, Lieutenant Jesse Flores and Associate Director of Multicultural Programs Floyd Lai.

Students shared stories about family who have been affected by the earthquake. Student, Vanessa Martinez shared her story about her grandmother’s home falling down. She said she is worried of what could have been if her grandmother was home, and is frustrated she cannot do anything about it.

Student, Stephanie Martinez shared she cannot concentrate in school. She keeps checking her phone during classes to see updates.

Lieutenant Flores was inside the Mexico City International Airport at the time of the earthquake. He said he was with his son while his wife and daughter were somewhere else buying candy. He said when he felt the earthquake he worried about his wife and daughter. Flores has been an officer for many years, but he said, “I have never felt so scared in my life.”

A road of the airport suffered damages and people were evacuated from the airport due to a gas leak said Flores.