Volunteers Form Massive, Four-Block Long Human Chain to Save Lives After Mexican Earthquake — and It’s a Powerful Symbol

Rafael S. Fabres/Getty Images
Rafael S. Fabres/Getty Images
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As tragic and harrowing stories continue to make their way into media after Mexico’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake, reports of massive, human chains, bravery and a collective, feverish rush to save lives have also emerged.

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These reports show the power that can come from collaboration, compassion and drive, even in the midst of chaos, death and uncertainty.

In one such story, it was reported that volunteers came together on Wednesday to form a chain that spanned four city blocks — all in an effort to rescue people who were trapped in an apartment building, The Independent reported.

The outlet noted that volunteers came together outside of a building to pass rubble out of the area and supplies in. At another location, people linked up to pass a stretcher to rescue workers, once again showing the power that comes from working together to save lives.

The Los Angeles Times has more about this amazing dynamic:

Outside a damaged apartment building in the neighborhood of Lindavista, north of the city center, dozens of volunteers formed a human chain, passing jugs of water, rope, hard hats and shovels. Police officers kept order, blowing whistles as they directed Red Cross and other emergency crews.

Aides at the scene said the bottom three floors of the six-story building had caved in, trapping people inside.

“Medico!” someone yelled from beyond an orange barrier set up to keep the public at bay. Two women in white doctor’s coats sprang over the blockade, one of them nearly tripping on her way, and ran toward the wreckage.

These kind acts in the midst of turmoil send some powerful messages to the masses about the importance of helping one another. And that’s a message that Cristina Lopez Torres, who was part of one of the human chains, noted in an interview with the AP.

“I think it’s human nature that drives everyone to come and help others,” Cristina Lopez said, with her sister, Victoria, adding that the two knew it was “important to come out into the streets to help.”

The earthquake has killed at least 245 people, with rescues and massive cleanup efforts continuing.