Topo-Tlatelolco Rescue Brigade

by earthquakes is estimated between 150 and 200,000.

The "Topo-Tlatelolco Rescue Brigade" (medical safety and rescue technicians) was created to assist with the aftermath. This rescue group has helped its own population and has even assisted internationally. This group participated in the rescue efforts of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake which generated a Tsunami.

Origins of the disaster

All buildings which collapsed presented inadequate structures for clay soil. This occurred mainly because of corruption and poor planning. Most of collapsed buildings were recently built. The Government's negligence was the main culprit which impacted of the huge number of deaths. While other structures that were very old and built for the type of clay terrain withstood the earthquake. Surveys after the earthquake showed most of the fallen buildings had specifications lower than those demanded in the contracts. But no one was ever charged nor convicted. Particularly serious was the case of the state builder in charge of the construction of schools. Their executives were left unpunished despite the high number of destroyed schools and schoolchildren who were killed.

Immediate response and civil

The president himself took three days before he traveled to the affected areas. Due to the absence and delay of action by the federal government the civilian population provided their own rescue work by organizing groups. This included the brigades which was made up of students specializing in medicine, engineering and science. The UNAM despite not having been directly affected closed its doors for a week suspending classes at the university. Students who wanted to help would be integrated into the brigades of rescue and assistance. The police and army did not assist much with recovery efforts mostly due to their scope of work being described as guarding destroyed