Topos Azteca Rush From Venezuela to Colombia After Deadly 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake

Abby A.

On August 12, a Mexican volunteer rescue brigade known as Topos Azteca arrived in Cali, Colombia to help search for survivors after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the country two days earlier. This earthquake killed more than 230 people and injured thousands. The group had just finished 40 days of rescue work in Venezuela, where two major earthquakes had hit in late June, but were immediately redirected to Colombia after learning about the new disaster.

The Colombian quake struck just after 7 AM on Monday, damaging cities across the western coffee-growing region. Nationwide, more than 30,300 families were affected and 9,550 homes destroyed. Local officials warned that rescuers were racing against time: Cali’s mayor said the chances of finding survivors drop sharply after 72 hours, making the arrival of experienced teams like Topos Azteca especially urgent.

Topos Azteca is famous across Latin America for responding to major disasters, starting with the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. In June, they were already deployed in Venezuela after a rare “doublet” earthquake, two major earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck on June 24, killing killed more than 2,295 people, according to CNN. They had been working there for over a month when Colombia’s earthquake hit on August 10. Their proximity and readiness made them one of the first international teams on the scene.

The Colombian quake struck just after 7 AM on Monday, damaging cities across the western coffee-growing region. Nationwide, more than 30,300 families were affected and 9,550 homes destroyed. Local officials warned that rescuers were racing against time: Cali’s mayor said the chances of finding survivors drop sharply after 72 hours, making the arrival of experienced teams like Topos Azteca especially urgent.

The unit traveled with rescuers from Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela, bringing specialized tools such as thermal-imaging devices, and Wi-Fi based detection systems that help locate victims beneath rubble. Their founder, Hector Mendez, known as the “Topo Mayor,” said the team was prepared to deliver “hands, knowledge, and heart” to Colombian communities. Their arrival also required coordination with Colombian lawmakers due to migration and logistics challenges. But, officials said the team’s experience in more than 60 countries made them invaluable.

The back‑to‑back disasters in Venezuela and Colombia highlight how vulnerable the region is to seismic activity. For many families waiting outside collapsed buildings, the arrival of Topos Azteca brought renewed hope during one of the most dangerous moments of their lives.

SOURCES USED

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https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/tale-two-buildings-how-quake-rescue-efforts-differed-colombia-venezuela-2026-08-15/