Colombia warns unauthorized rescue missions could hinder Venezuela quake response

The Colombian government, through the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), has reiterated that any Colombian search and rescue mission sent to earthquake-stricken Venezuela must be coordinated exclusively through the UNGRD to ensure an organized and safe international response. The UNGRD emphasized that it is the only entity authorized to deploy Colombian rescue teams abroad, and that such operations require official requests from the affected country and diplomatic coordination Source: Portafolio; Infobae.

The warning comes after Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez reported that a team of firefighters from the city was held for four hours at a Venezuelan airport without authorization to enter, sparking controversy over the handling of aid Source: Infobae. The UNGRD stated that independent missions could lead to duplication of efforts, disorganization, increased risks for rescuers, and difficulties in integrating into official operations Source: Portafolio.

Colombia is coordinating with Venezuelan authorities to channel support through the established diplomatic mechanisms. The UNGRD urged all local governments and relief organizations to refrain from mobilizing personnel or equipment on their own, stressing that only through coordinated action can an effective humanitarian response be achieved Source: Infobae; Portafolio.