The Argentine cell of the NGO Topos, made up of seven people from Córdoba, began its operations this Wednesday in Cali after the earthquake that has already left more than 200 dead
The Argentine cell of the NGO International Rescue Topos traveled to Colombia after the earthquake on Monday, which severely affected several cities in the country. The quake left hundreds of homes and buildings collapsed, and the number of victims has already surpassed 200 dead.
The national delegation consists of seven firefighters from Córdoba, along with rescuers from Neuquén and Chubut. All have extensive experience in this type of work, having participated in similar missions, such as those during the earthquakes in Venezuela in June.
According to Iván Montenegro in an interview with La Voz en Vivo, the group arrived in Bogotá early in the morning and began its operations this Wednesday. The team plans to start its work in the Cali region, in the department of Valle del Cauca.
The work of the Topos is supported by developers from the National Technological University (UTN) in Córdoba
Cordoban technology backed by UTN
The Argentine cell of Topos was established in 2018, following training provided by Mexican specialists. Unlike government teams, the organization is independently funded.
The work of the Topos is supported by developers from the National Technological University (UTN) in Córdoba, who design devices to locate victims in collapsed structures. Among this equipment are reinforced cameras, the Mustela robot, and vibration and verticality sensors.
The work is carried out under high-risk conditions, with high temperatures, confined spaces, and the constant danger of new aftershocks. "The task generally takes place over a period of 7 to 10 days," noted Montenegro, who emphasized that this limit aims to protect the physical and emotional well-being of the team.
