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Two powerful earthquakes struck Mexico less than two weeks apart in September 2017, with some seven million children living in the affected areas.

While children experience earthquakes through the deaths of loved ones and the destruction of their homes and schools, they also have to deal with the ensuing fear and trauma. Children staying at a shelter in Jojutla, Morelos after their homes were damaged share their memories of the earthquake. UNICEF is setting up spaces for children to play, recover and receive support.

“I was in school and I thought the tree was going to fall over me. Many windows oke. Now I’m afraid it will happen again, and even more strong.”

Jamilet Segura Gutiérrez, 10.

© UNICEF/UNI204559/Zehauskas

“ I was walking to school when it started trembling and I felt bad because I saw the houses fall and I was worried about my mom. When I got home all the things were on the floor and I was worried about how we were going to put them back.”

Ángel de Jesús Benítez García, 8.

© UNICEF/UNI204561/Zehauskas

“I was alone in my house and I saw how a wall fell. Then I saw how the people were running and the houses were moving. I was afraid.”

Dalia Villanueva Benítez , 12.

© UNICEF/UNI204583/Zehauskas

“I was on my bike, going to work with my other and then I felt rocks falling and I thought it was raining at first, and then the houses started falling. There was a lot of traffic, everybody was looking for their children.”

Christian Villanueva Benítez, 15.

© UNICEF/UNI204557/Zehauskas

“The houses fell, people were afraid because it was shaking. They were crying. I wanted to go back home and see my mom.”

María Guadalupe Benítez García, 6.