Two K9 teams, expertise in search and rescue within collapsed structures, technological search capabilities, and UAS systems are part of the specialized team that arrived in Pereira last night and immediately began operations in the affected areas.
A new specialized platoon from the National Army is expected to arrive on Tuesday to strengthen response and support capabilities for those affected.
The National Army continues to strengthen its capabilities to support authorities, relief agencies, and communities affected by the emergency in Pereira. On Monday night, a specialized team from the Disaster Response and Prevention Brigade—comprising 30 military personnel trained in search, location, and rescue operations—arrived in the city on a Colombian Aerospace Force flight.
Once in Pereira, the specialized personnel traveled to the affected areas and immediately began search and rescue efforts, joining the coordinated efforts being carried out by authorities and relief agencies to locate possible survivors, support operations amid the rubble, and assist in providing aid to the affected communities.
The deployed personnel belong to the 80th Disaster Response and Prevention Battalion, AMPERIO Company, AMPERIO 2 Platoon, and consist of 2 non-commissioned officers and 28 professional soldiers, all of whom have specialized training to respond to emergency and disaster scenarios, particularly in surface search and rescue operations and within collapsed structures.
As part of this deployment, the National Army transported to Pereira two K9 teams specialized in searching for and locating survivors, who, since their arrival, have been supporting efforts in the affected areas, especially in locations where searches must be conducted within collapsed structures and rubble. This capability helps identify areas of interest and guide the efforts of rescue teams.
The unit also includes a technological search component, which complements the work carried out by rescue workers through the use of specialized technical equipment to aid in locating people. In addition to this capability, there is a pilot operating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), responsible for conducting aerial reconnaissance, identifying areas of interest, and providing information that contributes to the planning and execution of operations on the ground.
The 30 military personnel also possess skills in Search and Rescue in Collapsed Structures (BREC) and surface search and rescue, which are essential for conducting technical and safe operations in damaged buildings and other emergency scenarios.
Support from the National Army will continue to be strengthened over the coming hours. A second specialized platoon is expected to arrive in Pereira later today, joining the personnel currently working in the affected areas and increasing the human, technical, and operational capabilities available to support search, rescue, and relief efforts for those affected.
The arrival of this new personnel will enable the institutional effort to be maintained and expanded in coordination with local authorities and various relief agencies, prioritizing the protection of life, the search for and location of potential survivors, and support for the affected communities.
The National Army continues to make its men, women, and specialized capabilities available for as long as required, working continuously and in coordination with the relevant authorities and emergency response agencies to stand by the residents of Pereira and help them overcome this emergency.
Wherever a Colombian needs help, its soldiers will be there.
