Colombia did not approve Mexico’s rescue team deployment after earthquake
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo reported that the government of Colombia did not approve the deployment of a rescue team from Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), which was prepared to assist with relief efforts following the earthquake that struck the country.
Why was the rescue team not deployed?
During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum clarified that although she had initially reported that the Mexican personnel were already in Colombia, she received a clarification from the Security Cabinet.
“Colombia requested certification from Colombia; they are certified, but now they are requesting another certification,” she explained.
Given this situation, the rescue team remains ready to depart at any time if Colombian authorities authorize its entry and participation in rescue operations. The president highlighted that Sedena’s rescue teams have international experience and have participated in relief efforts in 98 countries, as part of Mexico’s policy of solidarity in response to natural disasters.
Details on humanitarian assistance to Colombia
While the participation of the rescuers is being determined, Mexico continues providing humanitarian assistance to Colombia. Sheinbaum stated that Hercules aircraft will transport food supplies, medical supplies, and other materials requested by Colombian authorities.
“We are taking food supplies, medical supplies, and other things they requested through Hercules aircraft,” she said.
Sedena’s actions following the earthquake in Colombia
The president emphasized that the Mexican rescue team is prepared to mobilize immediately and reiterated that the clarification was necessary because the initial information she received indicated that the rescuers had already been deployed.
“It was important for this information to be known because yesterday I had information that they had indeed gone, but today the Security Cabinet clarified it to me,” she stated.
Source: elmanana
