Ottawa-Gatineau residents mobilize to aid Mexico earthquake victims

People in the National Capital Region with ties to Mexico are scrambling to do their part for the relief effort following Tuesday'sdevastating earthquake there.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake has claimed the lives of at least 225 peopleand caused the collapse of dozens of buildings in Mexico City and other parts of the country.

• At least 200 dead after magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits Mexico

"Our community is worried," said HugoCrespo,president of the Mexican-Canadian Cultural Association ofOttawa-Gatineau.

"We're trying to find ways to do a good fundraiser and bring people together so we can makesomethingofall this for our friends and family in Mexico."

'It's panic'

Like many Mexican-Canadians, Crespospent much of Tuesdaydesperately trying to reach friends and family in Mexico City.

"It's panic. My relatives live in a highriseso my first idea is, what's happening there? So I called everybody and thank God everyone was OK, but a lot of people weren't that fortunate," said Crespo.

JosueNiteo,a resident of Gatineau and president of Ballet Folklrico Aztln Ottawa/Gatineau, watched live video streams from Mexico City Tuesday as rescuers tried to save people from the rubble.

"It was horrifying, it was terrible. I was in shock," said Niteo."Right away I started to try to communicate with my family, my mom, dad, brothers and sisters, but I couldn't because land lines were off completely and the cell lines were saturated."

Niteo was eventually able to reachhis brother who assured him his immediatefamily was safe, but said some homes on his parents'street had partially collapsed.

Niteo said hisdance group is planning a fundraising event in the near future, but he's already hearing from the community.

"They are sending messages of support [asking],'How can I help, what can I do, where can I donate?'" said Niteo. "We are trying to figure thatout and organize that right now."

Ottawa professor, family uninjured

University of Ottawa professorPatriceCorriveauis on parental leave in Mexico City, where he lives with his wife and three young children.He was alone when the earthquake hit.

I heard people screaming and yelling.My first reaction was to think about my family.- Patrice Corriveau

"I heard sirens, and for probably 15to 20seconds I thought it was another practice," said Corriveau, referring toan emergency disaster drill held earlier thatday.

"But then I saw everything trembling, especially the buildings, they were movingrightand left, said Corriveau. "I heard people screaming and yelling.My first reaction was to think about my family."

But because the telephone lines were down,Corriveauwas unable to reach the hisyoungest child's caregiver, so he shifted his attention to his two other children.

"I ran to the school and I was lucky enough to see them. They were a bit in shock at the beginning, but they were pleased to see me,"Corriveausaid.

'We need to be prepared'

Corriveausaid he spent a good part of Tuesday evening reassuring his children and making sure his family is prepared for any more tremors.

"Here in Mexico we receive training regarding earthquakes," Corriveausaid. "We have a backpack ready to survive for 36 hours, and yesterday I made sure everything is in it."

"We're thinking about that all the time. We need to be prepared."