Disaster Response Services and Tools – Colombia

Disaster Response Services and Tools

Mobilizing Resources and Expertise

When calamity strikes, swift and strategic action can save countless lives. The Disaster Response Services section details the specialized services available in the Western Hemisphere to address various disaster scenarios. From rapid response teams to logistical support units, this segment provides a comprehensive overview of the tools and talents at our collective disposal.

Number of emergency transports available at any given time

The UNGRD, in the exercise of its role as coordinator of the SNGRD, has a total of 14 land transport vehicles that are deployed throughout the national territory for risk management processes. It should be clarified that each entity and sector of the SNGRD has its own inventory and autonomy from the different modes of transport: air, land, sea and river. This is made available to the UNGRD in the event of an emergency condition.

Public information and an implemented Early Warning System

From the hydrometeorological point of view, there is the IDEAM Alert System, which is interoperable with the CITEL – CRISIS ROOM of the UNGRD. Similarly, there are Early Warning Systems, such as the one in Mocoa, which has been developed by the UNGRD, operating integrally with IDEAM; and other community EWS, which are of regional development and are supported by the UNGRD.

List of climate tools used in the Early Warning System

No oficial Data Available

Intelligence and information distribution

The existence of a National Risk Management System, coordinated by the UNGRD, in which the operational and technical entities that contribute to knowledge, risk reduction and disaster management are present, ensures to a large extent that information is efficient, effective and timely.

Mechanism to identify threats and hazards

No Official Information Available

Operational Communications

The CITEL Information and Telecommunications Center receives, collects and disseminates information to the entities of the National System for Risk Management, especially to decision makers involved in disaster management, through different means of communication.

Business Continuity Plans/Tools (all sectors)

Risk Management Plans for companies according to Decree 2157 of 2017, where the integration of the private company and the public sector in the co-responsibility of Risk Management is made. With instruments such as: risk management funds and/or good practices from the private sector in business continuity in the face of an emergency.

Community Resilience (CERT) in all areas/villages/towns/cities/districts

The UNGRD emphasizes and provides technical support to cities, municipalities and other national entities that are politically and technically committed to take actions to face disasters and climate risks, as resilient cities.

Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Mechanism

From the UNGRD and specifically from the Sub-Directorate for Risk Awareness, there is a risk analysis and assessment sub-process where tasks inherent to the subject are carried out, clarifying that such assessment is not carried out in the context of resilience.

Long-term Vulnerability Reduction Plans

The UNGRD, with its three sub-processes, addresses the reduction of vulnerability of populations exposed to risk as a risk reduction mechanism. Additionally, from the risk knowledge sub-process, having risk communication as a sub-process, projects and educational campaigns are carried out, becoming a preponderant factor that aims to reduce vulnerability. The disaster management sub-process strengthens operational entities and response agencies, and the risk reduction sub-process carries out projects based on solutions in nature, territorial plans in axes with water and zero hunger.

Mechanisms available to share lessons learned

1. Tool of the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia – APC – Colombia for the systematization and documentation of good practices and lessons learned from the development of International Cooperation in Colombia. National Technical Advisory Commission for the Management of International Cooperation in Disaster Management. Documentation and updating of protocols of the entities that comprise it on various topics (DIAN, INVIMA, Migration, ICA). 3. National technical committees at the level of knowledge, reduction and management of disasters. 4. October: Disaster Risk Reduction Month.

Collaborative efforts/historical contributions with other countries and agencies/institutions, following a disaster.

Guatemala: Fuego Volcano Eruption 2018, Hurricane ETA and IOTA 2020 Honduras: Hurricane ETA and IOTA 2020 Panama: Hurricane ETA and IOTA 2020 Ecuador: Earthquake 2016 Haiti: Hurricane MATTHEW 2016 and Earthquake 2021 Turkey: Earthquake 2023 Cuba: Hurricane IRMA 2017 and Hurricane IAN 2022 Chile: Floods 2015, Forest Fires 2017 and 2023 Mexico: Earthquake 2017 Peru: Floods 2017 Bolivia: Forest Fires 2019

National structures available in the event of a disaster

Official Information not available

Government websites available regarding disasters

https://portal.gestiondelriesgo.gov.co/