The Argentine Armed Forces began their tasks of humanitarian assistance in Colombia following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake recorded on August 10, with a deployment of personnel and equipment mainly aimed at the Chocó Department, one of the areas affected by the emergency.
The operation, led by the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, under the Ministry of Defense, began after diplomatic coordination between both countries. Due to the geographical and health conditions of the region, the Argentine personnel had to complete specific vaccination and disease prevention schemes beforehand.
The Argentine envoys are already cooperating on the ground with the Armed Forces of Colombia.
Since August 18, a Hercules C-130 and an Embraer ERJ-140 from the Argentine Air Force began transporting from the I Air Brigade in El Palomar. In total, approximately 9,500 kilograms of cargo were transported, in addition to the necessary personnel to operate the mission.
Among the equipment sent is a reverse osmosis water purification plant, a field kitchen, sanitary tents, and communication systems necessary to coordinate movements and humanitarian tasks.
The contingent consists of 32 personnel, distributed among command and communication areas, water supply, health, and logistics. The Argentine military formed the Executive Unit for Support to Colombia (UNEJAPCOL), under the command of Colonel Miguel Ángel Wissinger.
One of the main capabilities installed in Quibdó is the purification plant, which can produce up to 30,000 liters of safe water per day. The operation also includes the production and distribution of approximately 10,000 sachets of drinking water for the affected communities.
Argentine personnel collaborating in assistance and rescue in Colombia
Additionally, there is a field kitchen with the capacity to prepare around 1,500 daily rations, while specialists in biochemistry analyze the available sources to ensure the sanitary conditions of the water before its distribution.
The Argentine military also participated in a first assistance flight to Pie de Pató, in the municipality of Alto Baudó, transporting food, sanitary supplies, and other items via a Colombian Mi-17 helicopter, due to difficulties accessing by land.
The Argentine personnel is already working with the Colombian law enforcement authorities.
The operation also includes medical personnel, satellite and radio communications, secure connectivity, and tools for transmitting images via drones and cameras. The goal is to keep the various deployed units coordinated and gradually extend assistance to the communities most affected by the earthquake.
The Argentine contingent works alongside the National Army of Colombia, authorities from the Chocó Department, and regional organizations, combining logistical, health, and supply capabilities to sustain humanitarian tasks in one of the most difficult-to-access territories in the country.
