4. International cooperation

International solidarity was demonstrated from the first hours of the disaster. Upon reestablishment of communications systems with the international community, specific aid was solicited according to priorities to attend the following needs:

1. Specialized search-and-rescue equipment to extract persons trapped in destroyed buildings. Heavy machinery such as cranes to remove rubble.

2. Equipment for second and third level hospitals, and particularly rehabilitation equipment as well as supplies for operating and recovery rooms, intensive care units, maternity wards and clinical laboratories.

3. Equipment and supplies for suturing, intravenous perfusion, x-ray films and refrigeration units.

During the first 10 days after the earthquakes, the General Comptroller's Ministry of the Federal District registered 177 international flights from 31 countries with 1,088 tons of aid, Table 24. (40) (41) These diverse donations went directly to various institutions, (Table 25). Of these, 748 tons (69%) were not solicited by national authorities and consisted of non-priority items such as medicines, food, clothes, blankets and supplies. The comparison of supplies and other items received and utilized appears in Table 26. Note the deficit that occurred with respect to some of the solicited articles such as x-ray film, anesthetics and immobilization materials.

There was ample availability of blood and derivatives thanks to voluntary donors throughout the city. UNDRO informed that as of October 1, 1985, contributions from United Nations organisms, government organizations, voluntary agencies and the International Red Cross had reached a sum of 10,750,000 dollars, and that more aid was expected.

Table 24. Mexico Earthquake, International Aid (from September 20-30, 1985)

Source: Secretaría de la Contraloría General de la Federación, 1985.

Table 25. International Aid and Receiving Institutions, Mexico, D.F., 1985

Source: Secretaría de la Contraloría General de la Federatión, September, 1985

Table 26. International Aid Received and Used in the Emergency Phase, Mexico, D.F., 1985

Source: Información de la Secretaría de Salud, Departamento del Distrito Federal y Cruz Roja Mexicana.

International aid after a disaster can be invaluable when it meets a specific need. The French government provided specialized equipment and trained personnel to help in the search-and-rescue operations.