Earthquake in Colombia: President rejects foreign rescuers

Up to 200 people missing

Severe earthquake: President rejects international aid

After the devastating earthquake in Colombia, many countries offered help. However, the new government does not want to bring rescue workers into the country.

Colombia’s government under President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has just been sworn in, has followed the difficult earthquake International help from rescue workers rejected. Several countries had offered to send specialized teams to the affected areas. So far, however, Bogotá has mainly accepted aid supplies, report the Spanish newspaper “El País” and the Colombian portal “La Silla Vacía”.

The earthquake has a magnitude of 7.4 Colombia on Monday, killing more than 200 people. The cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó are particularly affected. According to the Colombian association of cities Asocapitales, up to 200 people could still be under the rubble.

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The time immediately after an earthquake is considered crucial for the search for survivors. The phase of the first 72 hours after the quake ends on Wednesday. According to reports, there is still a lack of rescue personnel in hard-to-reach areas.

Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo has confirmed that twelve countries have offered rescue teams in addition to aid supplies. Among them are Mexico and El Salvadorwho have experience with major earthquakes.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said an aid package and a specialized rescue team were ready. However, this requires a formal request from Bogotá. However, Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, said Colombia had only asked for humanitarian aid. The company’s own rescue and emergency services are already in action, which is why no additional personnel are currently needed.

El Salvador then sent aid to Colombia. The United Nations has also offered support. The Colombian government has asked for international assistance for certain needs, but has not yet launched a comprehensive international call to send rescue workers.

The private rescue organization Brigada de Rescate Topo Tlatelolco from Mexico had already sent specialists to Colombia. However, according to a statement from the organization, they were not allowed to start their work. The Colombian government is currently only considering sending rescuers out of the country USA, Chile and Ecuador to allow, it says there. The organization is awaiting further assessments from the government in Bogotá.