Ecuador deploys humanitarian aid and rescue teams following earthquake in Colombia
In light of the emergency caused by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Colombia last Monday, the Government of Ecuador has mobilized a specialized contingent to assist in relief efforts. The Ecuadorian delegation, coordinated by the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE), seeks to provide technical and human support in the areas most affected by the natural phenomenon.
The team is composed of 35 rescuers belonging to the Guayaquil Fire Department, who have operational autonomy to carry out their tasks for the next seven days. Joining this group are five tons of technical equipment and a multidisciplinary team of experts in seismic engineering, structures, and geotechnics, whose main task will be to evaluate the integrity of buildings in the impacted areas.
Solidarity and call for calm
I want to convey calm to the citizenry. The sequence of earthquakes recorded first in Venezuela and subsequently in Colombia does not mean that, as a consequence of these events, an earthquake is expected in Ecuador.
Roberto Luque, Minister of Infrastructure and Technology.
Minister Roberto Luque emphasized that, although Ecuador is a permanent seismic risk zone, there is no causal relationship between the recent earthquakes in neighboring countries and possible large-scale seismic activity in Ecuadorian territory. The official urged the population to remain calm, to stay informed only through official channels, and to strengthen prevention measures for any eventuality.
Logistical support and collection centers
As part of the comprehensive humanitarian response, the National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR) has launched a supply collection strategy. Two strategic collection centers have been set up in the provinces of Pichincha and Guayas, intended to receive donations from the public for the affected families in Colombia. Among the requested items are:
- Drinking water.
- Personal hygiene and grooming items.
- Items for temporary accommodation.
- Basic necessities and utensils.
So far, Colombian authorities report a tragic figure of 281 deaths, 3,971 injured people, and 379 citizens who remain missing, keeping search and rescue efforts active in the disaster zones.
