Key facts
- Mexico's Topos Azteca rescue brigade is deploying to Venezuela.
- The brigade is assisting in recovery efforts after recent earthquakes.
- Over 2,200 people have died and 11,000 have been injured in Venezuela.
- The Topos brigade uses specialized techniques, including a "call for silence" protocol.
- The organization was founded after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake.
A contingent from Mexico's renowned Topos Azteca civilian search-and-rescue brigade has departed for Venezuela to aid in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes that have claimed over 2,200 lives and injured more than 11,000 people. The brigade, established following the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, is internationally recognized for its specialized disaster response capabilities.
Germán Bello, a volunteer known as "La Secre," is among those heading to Venezuela, carrying essential rescue gear, including body bags, as the focus shifts from searching for survivors to recovering victims. The mission is led by Héctor “El Chino” Méndez, the brigade's founder, who is already on the ground in La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas.
The Topos are known for their unique "call for silence" protocol, a technique formalized after the 1985 earthquake, which involves a period of complete quiet to detect any signs of life. Rescuers then meticulously sift through rubble, often crawling through confined spaces within collapsed structures, earning them the nickname "Topos," meaning moles.
Volunteers like Bello are driven by a profound sense of purpose, finding their reward in offering hope to those affected by tragedy. Bello described the emotional toll of delivering news of a loved one's death but emphasized the importance of maintaining focus in critical situations, adhering to the brigade's code of conduct which prioritizes the mission above personal needs.