San Gregorio Atlapulco amidst the debris

Last month, Mexico was struck by two devastating earthquakes, an 8.2-magnitude quake on Thursday, September 7 , followed by a 7.1-magnitude quake on Tuesday, September 19 .

Chiapas

, Guerrero , Tlaxcala , Oaxaca , Puebla , Morelos , and Mexico City were the most affected states by the quakes.

Particularly, in Mexico City, Xochimilco , best known for its canal network and chinampas (artificial islands) was the most affected borough.

According to Avelino Méndez Rangel , Xochimilco's Delegate , about 2,326 houses , 40 schools , 86 roads , 5 public buildings , 13 churches , 2 health centers , and most of the stores were damaged by the tremors while about 250,000 people are facing water shortage due to a series of fractures in the aqueduct along with the 47 leaks detected in surrounding areas.

After the earthquakes, Xochimilco's inhabitants continue to struggle.

In San Gregorio Atlapulco , one of the most devastated neighborhoods in Xochimilco the side effects of the earthquake remain.

In San Gregorio Atlapulco, people try to get back on track while living by the sidewalks, meters away from the remains of buildings and houses than a week ago were standing.

Steel rods, masonry debris, and wooden logs have become part of the landscape in the devastated neighborhood.

Volunteers wearing their safety orange and yellow vests are dispersed in the streets knocking door to door making an aftermath census in the area while bringing relief to those unsure of the conditions of their homes and urging others to vacate insecure buildings.

“Thanks for your support” written on buses and posters spread all over the neighborhood are a constant reminder that tragedies are painful, but also an opportunity.

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