Hopes of finding survivors dwindle

Looking out at my apartment window, I feel blessed and lucky to live in State College, an area that has been relatively insulated from natural disasters. When I read the news article “Hopes of finding survivors dwindle” about victims of the Mexico City earthquake (CDT, 9/25), I felt stressed because I could not help them besides donating money. I would imagine the residents here in State College would have the same feeling toward this disaster.

The tragedy in Mexico City is not only about the earthquake itself. Survivors live regretfully. They lost their families and friends in this disaster, and it changed their life. This earthquake not only damages the victims’ property, but it also damages their physical as well as psychological well-being.

Although survivors still have hopes of finding their loved ones who are trapped alive, the chances of finding them after a week is diminishing. The recovery of the emotional damage to the survivors is significant, especially for those who have seen people die.

Since post-traumatic stress disorder can occur in people who have been through disaster, the government should offer psychological consultants for the victims to help them to live a normal life.

We should do whatever necessary to help the people in Mexico City to recover their homes and emotions. Treasure every moment you spend with your beloved and do not live with regrets.

This story was originally published September 26, 2017 at 10:50 PM with the headline "Hopes of finding survivors dwindle."