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'Los Topos' from Mexico Arrive in Venezuela to Aid Earthquake Victims
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡พ Paraguay /Disasters & Emergencies

'Los Topos' from Mexico Arrive in Venezuela to Aid Earthquake Victims

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • A Mexican rescue team, known as 'Los Topos,' has arrived in Venezuela to assist in earthquake recovery efforts.
  • The team is heading to the heavily impacted La Guaira region.
  • The earthquakes have caused 1,450 deaths, 3,150 injuries, and affected 12,721 families.

The renowned Mexican rescue organization 'Los Topos' has arrived in Venezuela, bringing their expertise to aid in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes. Martรญn Pรฉrez, a member of the team, conveyed a message of solidarity, stating, "Know that Mexico is with you," as they prepared to deploy to Valencia and subsequently the La Guaira region, the area most severely affected by the tremors.

Know that Mexico is with you.

โ€” Martรญn PรฉrezPรฉrez expressed solidarity upon arrival in Venezuela.

The contingent, consisting of six men and one woman, faced a flight delay in Panama but were met with applause upon boarding their aircraft, signifying the hope they represent. Pรฉrez, who has 20 years of international rescue experience in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, and Nepal, described the Venezuelan earthquake as one of the most powerful he has encountered. Despite the scale of the disaster, he affirmed their commitment to helping those in need for as long as necessary.

It was strong, with some areas of greater disaster.

โ€” Martรญn PรฉrezPรฉrez described the intensity of the Venezuelan earthquake.

Susana Pedroza, the sole woman on the team, shared her motivation, inspired by her father who has been a 'topo' since 2017. She finds profound satisfaction in rescuing people and saving lives, calling it the most beautiful aspect of her work. This mission marks her first international deployment as a paramedic within the group, which she joined two years ago. The Venezuelan government has reported 33 survivors rescued so far, with ongoing efforts by national and international teams. The total death toll stands at 1,450, with 3,150 injured and 12,721 families affected by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes.

My dad has been a topo since 2017 and I have always wanted to be what my dad is.

โ€” Susana PedrozaPedroza explained her inspiration for joining the rescue team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.