Topos Azteca Brigade achieves its first rescue in Cali after magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Mexican rescue brigade Topos Azteca arrived in Cali, Colombia, to assist after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake.
- The brigade, originating from Mexico, is a citizen-led initiative that began during the 1985 Mexico City earthquake.
- Topos Azteca achieved its first successful rescue in Cali by saving a cocker spaniel trapped under debris.
The renowned Mexican rescue brigade, Topos Azteca, has arrived in Cali, Colombia, to aid in the aftermath of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the region on August 10. This international support comes not from government channels, but as a purely citizen-driven initiative.
Topos Azteca, with a history rooted in disaster response, was formed during the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Faced with overwhelmed official emergency services, ordinary Mexicans organized themselves to clear rubble and rescue those trapped. This grassroots effort led to the adoption of the 'Topos' (moles) moniker, reflecting their work beneath collapsed structures.
In Cali, the brigade has already marked its first successful rescue: a cocker spaniel found alive under the rubble of a collapsed building. Video footage shared by the brigade shows the dog, seemingly unharmed, being secured by rescuer Cristian Kuperbank. This successful operation highlights the team's dedication and skill in challenging conditions, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
ADMIRABLE ๐ Cristian Kuperbank, member of the international rescue brigade Los Topos Azteca, managed to rescue alive a little dog that had been trapped under the rubble of a collapsed house in Cali after the strong magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook the countryโฆ
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.