Mexico sends rescue brigade to Turkey in earthquake aftermath

A Mexican Air Force (FAM) plane bound for Turkey took off Tuesday morning with a delegation to support rescue efforts after earthquakes devastated southeastern Turkey and northern Syria on Monday.

“Following instructions from President López Obrador, a Mexican Air Force plane with rescue teams and specialists will leave in the next few hours,” Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard tweeted Monday night. 

Ebrard also shared photos of rescue dogs joining the mission and of marines wearing helmets like that worn by Frida, Mexico’s beloved rescue dog, who became famous for locating victims after the Sept. 19 2017 Mexico City earthquake. Frida died in November at age 13. 

Defense Minister (Sedena) General Luis Cresencio Sandoval said Tuesday morning during López Obrador’s press conference that 150 people are traveling with the rescue and support delegation including soldiers, marines, members of the Mexican Red Cross and foreign ministry personnel.

The professional non-profit “Topos” rescue brigade will also be sending members to aid in the search and rescue efforts.

As of Tuesday, the Mexican Embassy in Turkey had no record of any Mexican citizens affected by the earthquakes. 

With reports from El Universal