David Tamayo was sworn in today as the new director of the National Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) in Colombia, tasked with overseeing relief efforts following a major earthquake that struck the country’s Pacific coast. The ceremony took place in Manizales, where Vice President José Manuel Restrepo confirmed the appointment, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring aid reaches affected communities quickly after the government declared a state of emergency. Until now, the UNGRD had been led by Javier Pava, who was appointed under former President Gustavo Petro. Pava remained in charge during the National Disaster Management Committee meetings held alongside current President Abelardo de la Espriella. Restrepo spoke directly with Tamayo to ensure that assistance could begin immediately, leveraging the emergency declaration to streamline operations. Tamayo, a geologist and master's graduate in risk management from the University of Antioquia, has worked independently since 2020 in Sabaneta, Antioquia. His appointment was praised by de la Espriella, who described him as a man of integrity capable of restoring order to an institution he called a “nest of bandits.” According to experts, the swearing-in of a director is critical because it enables the activation of financial systems and operational procedures, unlike previous announcements made through press conferences. The need for swift action comes amid growing concerns over the UNGRD’s capacity to respond effectively. According to Tamayo, the unit faces severe challenges, including a lack of funds, debt, and insufficient staffing. He revealed that the UNGRD currently holds only 30 billion Colombian pesos allocated specifically for earthquake response, far below what is needed. Additional international donations are being sought to cover expenses such as rental subsidies for displaced residents and other essential costs. The situation is further complicated by unresolved contracts within the Fiduprevisora, which have left the agency unable to access sufficient resources despite attempts to resolve these issues. Tamayo noted that many existing contracts have expired, and there is no immediate prospect of renewal. As a result, staff members are working extended hours, often doubling their shifts due to understaffing. “If they take time off, there will be no one to replace them,” he said. The UNGRD’s struggles are not new. The agency has long faced criticism over corruption scandals involving misappropriated public funds, leading to legal consequences for several officials from the previous administration. Now, with the recent earthquake having claimed more than 22 lives, the organization must address both its structural weaknesses and the immediate demands of disaster response. Tamayo acknowledged the complexity of the situation, pointing to systemic problems dating back to the creation of Law 1523 in 2012. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the importance of finding solutions to ensure institutional support and aid for the population. He also highlighted the UNGRD’s significant debt, which makes its financial viability questionable given its current budget allocation. This has already caused some suppliers to withdraw their support, complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid to areas in dire need. Meanwhile, the health sector is also grappling with the aftermath of the quake. Health Minister Ana María Vesga swore in Mónica Lombana García as the new head of the Superintendence of Health, replacing Juan David Duque. Lombana, a specialist in healthcare management, has experience working in hospitals and with the Superintendence since 2020. Her immediate challenge is managing the surge in emergency medical services, particularly in regions like Buenaventura, Chocó, and Cali, where hospitals are either overwhelmed or completely collapsed. The earthquake has placed immense pressure on both the UNGRD and the health system, testing the capabilities of the newly formed government. While officials stress the importance of coordinated efforts to deliver aid, the underlying issues facing these institutions remain deeply entrenched, requiring sustained attention and resources to overcome.
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