Earthquake in Turkey and Syria: Colombia to send a rescue team to the disaster area

He earthquake who whipped Turkey y Syria, on February 6, it continues to leave painful figures regarding the victims, since more than 130 hours after the generation of this natural phenomenon, the number of deaths continues to increase. Assistance to the wounded is massive and many countries are contributing in this context, as will Colombia, since the dispatch of a humanitarian team to support relief has been confirmed.

There National Risk and Disaster Management Unit (Ungrd) met with various authorities in the country and, in the same way, maintained permanent communication with the Turkish Embassy in Bogota; After various analyzes and logistical trips, it was possible to determine that the
On Sunday February 12, a search and rescue team will leave for the European country.

The team is made up of 45 peopleshared between doctors, veterinarians, search and rescue specialistsin addition to eight canine guides, which are essential for tracking people among the rubble. The main idea is that these units are part of the victim assistance process and then carry out rehabilitation work.

There Ungrd He said that “official support from the Colombian government is confirmed with a search and rescue team made up of eight dogs and their guides, veterinarians, a technological research team, a structural and logistics engineer They will travel this Sunday to Turkey”.

It is Johanna Millen, a Colombian citizen who was in that country and who was initially seen in one of the places most affected by the natural phenomenon. According to the Colombian embassy in said territory, a long search was carried out to determine the conditions of the woman, but unfortunately she was later registered among the victims.

Johanna Carolina Millan Velandiaworked as a tourist guide, in addition to having married Erhan Kap, a citizen of said country, who has worked in the same. The Ambassador Julio Riano established contact with Kap, this, in order to give him all the support available to face this difficult moment, moreover, the Colombian dignitary in Turkey had to travel to Istanbul to know the situation in detail.

Regarding this case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained:

“Since the unfortunate events in Turkey became known, Minister Álvaro Leyva has been directly in charge of the situation and in permanent contact with the Colombian Ambassador, Julio Anibal Riaño, to whom he has given precise instructions to collaborate in any what is necessary for the well-being of our compatriots”.

Likewise, for both Colombians and foreigners, the Ministry of Foreign Relations published a series of recommendations for people who are in a risk zone.

– Be prepared for aftershocks.

– Stay as informed as possible through local news media.

– Follow the instructions of the competent local authorities.

– It is recommended that nationals traveling and/or living in the region contact their family or friends as soon as possible and let them know that they are well.

– Keep calm.

– Be aware of changes in transportation routes.

– Avoid transit through areas where the infrastructure has been affected.

– Locate safe areas near your place of residence and have contact with police, fire and hospital authorities.

– Always have your identity papers with you.

– Insist that the people accompanying you accompany you, without them slowing you down.

– Use available social networks to establish contact and reassure family and friends.