Mexico City, April 6th, 2009 - At least 12 members of the "Tecnicos en Urgencias Medicas, Seguridad y Rescate 19 de Septiembre", better known as "Los Topos" (The Moles), Mexico's Elite Earthquake Rescue Team, will depart today to the Italian province of Abruzzo, hit by a strong earthquake this morning after the Italian embassy in Mexico green-lit them for the trip.
"Los Topos" Rescue Team was formed after the 1985 eathquake that devastated Mexico City. The team specializes in the rescue of persons trapped under debris. Since 1985 they have been to more than 22 countries in many rescue missions, including that of the World Trade Center in New York City, shown in the photo.