UNGRD asks not to authorize rescue groups from other countries without certification

The Colombian government has issued a formal warning against allowing international rescue teams from countries without proper certification to operate during the ongoing disaster response following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck multiple regions of the country. The call came from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), which urged local authorities to ensure all participating groups meet strict standards before being authorized to assist with search-and-rescue operations. According to reports, the UNGRD’s director, David Santiago Tamayo, emphasized that only representatives from specific departments, including Caldas, Cali, Putumayo, Quindío, and Cauca, were present or connected during the latest National Unified Command Post (PMU). Tamayo stated that the agency had approached the Attorney General’s Office to request a public appeal to other municipalities that had not participated, urging them to connect and provide updated information about conditions within their jurisdictions. “This situation has forced us to ask the Attorney General’s Office to make a call to the missing departments and municipalities,” he explained. Despite the challenges, the UNGRD confirmed that Colombia still maintains its capacity to respond effectively to the emergency. However, the nation has accepted specialized international support to bolster its efforts. Three UN-accredited rescue teams from the United States, Ecuador, and Israel have been deployed, each operating independently under the recognition of their respective governments. These teams are equipped to handle complex urban search-and-rescue missions. Tamayo warned that some unauthorized foreign groups might enter affected areas requesting large amounts of resources without having the autonomy to conduct effective operations. This could potentially hinder the overall response effort. He stressed that such actions could lead to inefficiencies and even worsen the situation, especially given the high stakes of the current operation. As of August 15, the UNGRD reported that the number of casualties continues to rise. A total of 289 people were confirmed dead, with 3,937 injured, 143 missing, and 353 rescued. Over 117,222 individuals from 54,382 families have been affected, spread across 448 municipalities in 15 departments. The damage includes 81,536 homes with structural issues, 14,705 completely destroyed, and 66 buildings collapsed. Critical infrastructure such as 234 health centers, 2,535 educational institutions, 3,782 community centers, 308 roads, 62 water supply systems, 44 bridges, five pedestrian crossings, and five airports have also been impacted. Tamayo noted that daily figures released in official reports may change as municipalities consolidate and verify data through the Damage Evaluation and Needs Analysis (EDAN) process. Therefore, he reiterated the importance of continuous communication between local authorities and the national command post to maintain accurate and up-to-date reporting. In parallel, the government has taken steps to coordinate both domestic and international aid. President Abelardo De La Espriella visited the hardest-hit area in Chocó to assess the situation firsthand. During his visit, he assured officials that federal resources would be allocated once the extent of damages and victims was fully assessed. The administration has mobilized specialized personnel, including engineers, rescue workers, and canine units, to address immediate needs. The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MinTIC) has also played a key role in restoring communications after the quake. It has worked alongside mobile operators to identify damaged networks and restore services in the most affected zones. To ease congestion, MinTIC recommended using text messages instead of calls, especially during peak times. Emergency numbers, such as 123, remain free even when service is suspended, ensuring critical communication channels stay open. Meanwhile, the Colombian government has allowed the entry of 22 American experts specializing in urban search and rescue (USAR) into the country. These specialists, based in Fairfax, Virginia, and Los Angeles, California, will join the existing 23 Colombian rescue teams already deployed in affected cities. Their expertise aligns with the protocols set by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Local leaders, however, have expressed concerns over the potential influx of international teams. Mayor Alejandro Eder of Cali noted that while Colombia currently has nearly 400 trained rescuers, primarily local and from Bogotá, there is a technical limit to how many can be deployed simultaneously. He argued that deploying too many external teams could strain the country’s ability to respond quickly to future emergencies. Experts have echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for rapid decision-making and understanding of disaster management protocols. Former UNGRD deputy director Juan Carlos Orrego highlighted that many governments mistakenly believe they can manage crises with simple measures, failing to recognize the complexity involved in coordinating large-scale responses. He called for greater awareness of the technical aspects required to handle such situations effectively.