Story perspectives

President Authorizes INSARAG-Certified Rescue Teams After 7.4 Quake

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his refusal and authorized rescue teams from the United States, El Salvador, Ecuador and Israel.
The 7.4-magnitude quake on 10 August 2026 killed 265 and left 496 missing.
UNGRD director David Tamayo said only Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)-certified teams meet the criteria while China’s ambassador Zhu Jingyang, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and United States joined efforts, deploying teams from Virginia and California.

History

Historical Context

The 7.0-magnitude quake that devastated Haiti on 12 January 2010 prompted a massive multinational rescue, led by the United Nations and the United States, with dozens of NGOs and thousands of troops deployed. That coordinated response became the model for President Abelardo de la Espriella’s decision on 10 August 2026 to authorize INSARAG-certified teams from the United States, El Salvador, Ecuador and Israel.

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Story summary

President Abelardo de la Espriella reversed his refusal and authorized rescue teams from the United States, El Salvador, Ecuador and Israel.
The 7.4-magnitude quake on 10 August 2026 killed 265 and left 496 missing.
UNGRD director David Tamayo said only Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)-certified teams meet the criteria while China’s ambassador Zhu Jingyang, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and United States joined efforts, deploying teams from Virginia and California.

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