Mexican earthquake experts teach survival techniques and debunk myths in Caracas

A free workshop in Caracas, Venezuela, offered by the Mexican rescue brigade Topos Aztecas, provided vital earthquake safety information to a packed audience. The session, titled "What to do during an earthquake?", aimed to combat misinformation and equip residents with practical knowledge for seismic events.

Alex del Llano, a member of Topos Aztecas, led the training, emphasizing that no technology currently exists to predict earthquakes. He stressed the importance of adapting to living in a seismic zone, comparing it to how communities in the Arctic prepare for extreme cold or desert dwellers ration water.

A significant portion of the workshop focused on debunking outdated evacuation myths. Del Llano explained that traditional advice, such as hiding under tables or in doorways, originated from architectural styles of the 1960s using solid materials. Modern constructions with lighter materials like drywall make these areas potentially more dangerous during a quake.

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Still no technology exists that can predict an earthquake.

Instead, del Llano introduced the "triangle of life" technique. This method suggests that when a building collapses, objects like furniture create voids or "triangles" of space where a person could survive. Participants, like retired educator Norima Correa, found this information particularly impactful, shifting their understanding of personal safety during an earthquake.

Correa, who attended the workshop due to personal trauma from a past earthquake, expressed relief and a sense of empowerment. "The most important thing I take away is something I didn't know: the triangle of life," she said. "I didn't know that standing next to the bed could save my life... It is very important to know these tips, what to do, because if you don't have time to get out, you die from not having the knowledge and responsibility."

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The most important thing I take away is something I didn't know: the triangle of life. I didn't know that standing next to the bed could save my life, I thought before that I had to stand next to a column. It is very important to know these tips, what to do, because if you don't have time to get out, you die from not having the knowledge and responsibility.