Relatives Seek News From Consulate in Santa Ana

Like many of his Mexican compatriots, 40-year-old Manuel Parra turned Wednesday to the local Mexican Consulate for information about the explosions that devastated downtown Guadalajara, Mexico.

He felt panicky, he said, when he heard that the city’s Reforma district had been flattened, claiming 162 lives and injuring 800. His sister, Francisca, lives there with her husband and children.

“I heard it on the radio,” the Bell Gardens resident said while seeking more information at the consulate. “I was shocked and worried. I hope it’s not as many people (dead) as that.”

As news of the disaster spread through Orange County, residents jammed telephone lines at the American Red Cross, the consulate and other agencies trying to learn the fate of families and friends.

From his business in La Habra, Luis Ornelas said he spent most of the afternoon trying to telephone his 54-year-old mother, sister, and other family members.

“I have three lines and I jumped from one line to the other and I got through,” said Ornelas, whose mother lives three blocks from where the explosion occurred and who told him she felt the earth move. “They were on their way out the door when I called and they picked up the phone and said, ‘We’re out of here.’ ”

Local residents said their anxiety was made worse because of initial conflicting reports about the precise location of the explosions.

At the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana, officials were monitoring radio reports before official government cables were received.

“People who have families in the city of Guadalajara were asking if there is a list of people dead or injured and to see if their family members are on it,” Mexican Consul Felipe Soria said. He added that concerned families could contact the office Thursday for an updated list of casualties.

Local Red Cross officials said they are taking names and phone numbers of people having trouble contacting relatives so they can pass the information to the Mexican Red Cross when that agency is ready to receive the information.

Father Rodolfo Preciado, the associate pastor at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Anaheim, said he spotted pictures on television of the San Juan de Dios market area--located far from his family’s neighborhoods. Preciado said he was optimistic that his 72-year-old mother and 10 brothers and sisters are safe.

Red Cross Spokeswoman Judy Iannaccone said volunteers are waiting for orders from the national office, should their help be needed, and monetary contributions for Guadalajara are being accepted.

Where to Call and How to Help

U.S. citizens wanting information about a relative who is a U.S. citizen in Guadalajara can call the Citizens Emergency Service Center at (202) 647-5225.

To reach the Red Cross in the United States, English speakers may dial (800) 842-2200. Spanish speakers may dial (800) 257-7575.

Those wishing to donate money to blast victims can send checks through the Catholic Diocese of Orange. It will forward checks to Guadalajara through Catholic Relief Services. Send to Msgr. John Urell, 2811 E. Villareal Drive, Orange, Calif. 92667.

St. Boniface Catholic Church is starting a “Guadalajara Relief Center.” The address is 120 N. Janss St., Anaheim, Calif. 92805.

The American Red Cross is also accepting donations. Checks should be designated for Mexico gas explosion relief and mailed to P.O. Box 11364, Santa Ana, Calif. 92711.