In the earthquake-hit port city of La Guaira, Venezuela, 10-year-old Sebastian Corro has become known as "El Topito Venezolano" after joining rescue efforts alongside his grandfather, to help victims of June's deadly twin quakes.
Cristobal Corro, retired civil protection volunteer and Sebastian's grandfather, told Reuters on July 17 his grandson has been helping sift through rubble and assist affected families since the June, pitching in with tasks like carrying bags and water.
Recognized by Mexican rescue brigade Topos Tlaltelolco, which has responded to disasters worldwide, the boy earned the nickname "El Topito" from rescuers impressed by his initiative. Sebastian now assists at an aid point alongside Scientology Volunteers, where one member said despite his young age Corro takes his role as a rescuer very seriously. Corro dreams of one day joining the Marine Firefighters of La Guaira.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes which hit Venezuela in June 24, killed about 5,000 people, according to the government, though experts including the United States Geological Survey have predicted a likelihood of a final death toll of nearly double that figure.
The disaster was especially devastating in La Guaira state, home to the country's main airport, where a major port and hundreds of high-rise residential buildings collapsed either fully or partially.