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The Topos Tlatelolco Rescue Brigade reported this Wednesday that it will not deploy rescuers to Colombia following the decision by that country's government not to require their presence after Monday's earthquake; therefore, they will focus their efforts on collecting and sending humanitarian aid from Mexico.
However, the mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, announced this same Wednesday the arrival in the city of a brigade of the Mexican Topos Aztecas.
This is a different group, which traveled from Venezuela, where they participated in rescue efforts following the July earthquakes.
However, the Topos Tlatelolco explained in a statement that they will remain outside the affected area in respect for the operational coordination protocols established by Colombian authorities to manage international assistance.
Given the impossibility of participating directly in search and rescue tasks, the Topos set up a collection center at the Iztapalapa borough hall, in the east of Mexico City, which will receive donations between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The brigade requested electrolyte powder, medical supplies for wound care, N95 masks, headlamps, easy-to-open non-perishable food, and tools for clearing debris, among other supplies intended for the affected areas.
The Topos Tlatelolco emerged as a volunteer search and rescue organization after the devastating earthquake that struck Mexico City in 1985, and since then they have participated in international operations in response to major disasters and collapsed structures.
México sí envía ayuda oficial
The decision regarding the civilian rescuers comes on the same day the Mexican government began sending the humanitarian aid officially requested by Colombia.
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, reported that the Colombian government communicated the supplies it needs to respond to the emergency through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).
Two Mexican Air Force aircraft took off this Wednesday from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) bound for Pereira with an initial shipment of 19.5 tons of humanitarian aid and Mexican Army personnel.
Mexico plans to send a total of 58.5 tons between August 12 and August 14, including 2,562 food baskets, water, and medicine.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday and caused severe damage in different areas of the country, in addition to hundreds of deaths and injuries.
Colombian authorities are coordinating international assistance while search and care efforts for affected populations continue.
The Topos indicated that, despite not participating on the ground, they will continue collecting supplies in Mexico to contribute to the humanitarian response.
[Publicidad]