A Mexican humanitarian aid team has rescued three survivors from the earthquake rubble in Turkey, Defense Minister General Luis Cresencio Sandoval reported on Friday.
“Three people have been rescued alive along with 11 bodies recovered. They [Mexican rescuers] have also participated in medical consultations because our brigade also includes medical personnel,” the minister said.
Imágenes del rescate de una pequeñita de 8 años por parte de equipos locales y el enviado por la Secretaria de Marina en Turquía pic.twitter.com/bEh98MZ4Vq
— Marcelo Ebrard C. (@m_ebrard) February 11, 2023
The BBC has recognized Mexico’s aid teams as “highly specialized civilian and military teams which are often deployed to help when disasters strike.”
The Mexican government brigade is carrying out search and rescue work in 70 buildings in Turkey’s affected zone. Members of Mexico’s professional volunteer “Topos” search and rescue team — which famously was founded in the aftermath of Mexico City’s devastating 1985 earthquake — have also traveled to the region.
The Mexican government sent a total of 105 people and 16 search and rescue dogs, one of whom died on Sunday while on duty.
“Thank you Proteo for your heroic work. You fulfilled your mission,” the Defense Ministry published on social media in a tribute to the fallen German shepherd.
Gracias #Proteo por tu heroica labor, cumpliste la misión #perrito del #EjércitoMexicano #fuerzaturquia🇹🇷 #sismo #esperanza pic.twitter.com/bQdgxT3wnH
— @SEDENAmx (@SEDENAmx) February 12, 2023
On Mexico News Daily’s Facebook page, a tribute post written in Turkish expressed heartfelt gratitude for Proteo and the Mexican rescuers:
“Our dear Mexican brothers and sisters. I am reaching you from Turkey. Thank you very much for not leaving us to our fate in such a difficult time and for being with us. We were very touched by your team that came to help, and your rescue dogs, who made a throne in our hearts. #PROTEO is a value that we will not forget for the rest of our lives. He died for us. We are so sorry. Proteo’s death made us all cry. Thank you dear Mexican people, thank you dear #PROTEO. We will never, ever forget you. Good luck and always be.”
Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced on Twitter today that on instructions from President López Obrador, Mexico would donate US $6 million to victims of the earthquakes in Syria via the United Nations.
