Barranquilla will send 45 rescuers and offers hospital capacity to handle emergency due to earthquake in Colombia

Mayor Alejandro Char installed a PMU in Puerta de Oro. He also assigned structural engineers to support the affected regions. Mayor Alejandro Char led from the Unified Command Post, installed at Puerta de Oro, the coordination of aid that Barranquilla will send to the regions affected by the earthquake. Photo: Mayor's Office. REPORTER 10.08.2026 15:52 Updated: 10.08.2026 15:52 Barranquilla began mobilizing personnel and resources to support the regions affected by the earthquake recorded this Monday, August 10, which strongly impacted cities and towns in the west and coffee axis of the country. READ ALSO Mayor Alejandro Char announced the dispatch of about 45 rescuers with medical and nursing knowledge, made available the capacity of the district health network, and formed a group of structural engineers who can be deployed to the areas where they are needed. The decisions were made from the Unified Command Post (PMU), installed at the Puerta de Oro Event Center, from where district authorities maintain communication with the national government and regional leaders. "In Barranquilla, we installed our PMU early this morning, our entire team is there. We are ready to collaborate, to support all regions of Colombia suffering on this tragic day," Char stated. Rescuers and engineers ready to deploy According to the mayor, after establishing communication with the Ministry of the Interior and mayors of some affected cities, the most urgent needs began to be defined. Among the initial measures is the deployment of about 45 rescuers, several of whom have medical and nursing knowledge. Earthquake in Colombia. Cali among the most affected cities in the country. Photo: Juan Pablo Rueda / EL TIEMPO Char also noted that from the affected areas, specialized personnel have been requested to assess building conditions after the seismic movement. "They have also requested structural engineers, people with knowledge in seismic issues, and we have also arranged a group of engineers to meet this demand that the nation is requiring," he explained. READ ALSO The District also reported that it made its public health network, operated by MiRed IPS, available, with capacity for 600 hospitalization beds and 132 ICU beds for the potential care of injured persons. "We put at your disposal our rescuers, the district health network with hospitalization beds, ICU beds, and personnel with technical knowledge in seismic issues," Char said via his X account. The PMU will remain active to coordinate Barranquilla's response to requests from other regions. Participating there are the district secretariats of Health, Government, Urban Control and Public Space, Transit and Security, along with Civil Defense, Red Cross, National Police, Army, and Fire Department. 24-hour collection center opening Another measure taken is the opening of a collection center at Carrera 43 # 6-120, Barranquillita sector, which will remain open 24 hours to receive aid for the victims. Non-perishable foods, drinking water, medical supplies, hygiene products, baby items, clothing in good condition, and mattresses will be accepted at the location. The donation reception point is located at Carrera 43 #6-120, Barranquillita. Photo: Barranquilla Mayor's Office "We have a 24-hour point open at Carrera 43 with Calle 6 to receive what is currently in demand in Colombia to ease this great pain," the mayor stated. READ ALSO The District Risk Management Office will be responsible for coordinating the receipt, classification, and organization of donations before their transfer to the populations in need. Char assured that the District will continue in contact with the national government and territorial authorities to determine where the human teams and resources offered from Barranquilla will be sent. Follow all Colombia news on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERS Register for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP Join El Tiempo's channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APP Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content unlimitedly.