Colombian firefighters delayed four hours entering Venezuela due to bureaucracy

Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez denounced a four-hour delay that prevented Colombian firefighters from entering Venezuela to aid in earthquake rescue operations. The team of 22 specialists, equipped for a week of independent work, was held in an airport waiting room upon arrival.

Gutiérrez described the situation as "absurd," questioning the bureaucratic hurdles that delayed trained personnel. He stressed that the priority in such emergencies should be saving lives. The delay reportedly stemmed from the need for Colombian missions to coordinate with the national government through the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), which requires international support to be channeled through official and receiving country channels.

The firefighters were prepared with specialized equipment and logistical autonomy, ready to operate for seven days. The mayor's strong criticism highlighted the frustration of being unable to deploy immediately in the face of a devastating natural disaster where every moment counts in the search for survivors.

“

Absurd. They did not let our Medellín Firefighters into Venezuela. They have been in a room at the airport for 4 hours in Venezuelan territory.