Mexico city: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Colombia has not yet given the green light for the deployment of a Mexican rescue brigade, citing the need for additional certification procedures as requested by Colombian authorities.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Mexican government had extended an offer to dispatch the rescue team following a powerful earthquake that struck Colombia, triggering the mobilization of search-and-rescue operations and humanitarian aid. "They requested certification from the Colombian government. They are certified, but they requested an additional certification. It is ready to leave at any time," President Sheinbaum stated.
This clarification came after Mexico's Security Cabinet refuted an earlier report claiming that the rescue personnel had already been dispatched to Colombia. Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico's ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, including the delivery of food packages, medical supplies, and other materials as requested by Colombian authorities.
The earthquake has elicited an international response, with several countries offering their support to Colombia's emergency efforts through search-and-rescue aid. Mexican Air Force Hercules aircraft have been utilized to transport supplies to Colombia, while the rescue brigade remains on standby, awaiting the fulfillment of the additional certification requirements.
Highlighting the brigade's extensive international experience, Sheinbaum noted that its members have participated in rescue operations across 98 countries. Meanwhile, Colombia's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) Director David Tamayo stated that Colombia would be receiving search-and-rescue teams from countries that adhere to international protocols, including teams from Israel, Ecuador, El Salvador, and the US. Tamayo assured that these teams are autonomous and equipped with their own resources, thus not imposing additional demands on Colombia.
This development unfolds as Colombia continues to manage the aftermath of the earthquake, concurrently addressing an emergency in the Tolima department involving 30 forest fires. Mexico's rescue brigade remains prepared to deploy once the additional certification processes are concluded. Although Sheinbaum did not specify a timeline for the brigade's deployment, she affirmed Mexico's continued provision of humanitarian assistance to Colombia. The international teams are anticipated to bolster Colombia's emergency response capabilities as authorities persist in tackling the situation in Tolima.