National Unit for Disaster Risk Management

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) in Colombia is the government agency responsible for coordinating national efforts to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. In the wake of a devastating earthquake that caused widespread damage and loss of life, the UNGRD is at the forefront of the nation's response. The agency is actively involved in assessing the damage, which is estimated to cost billions for reconstruction, and coordinating rescue and relief operations. Hospitals, such as the University Hospital of the Valle Evaristo Garcia in Cali, have had to adapt their services to cope with the influx of casualties and the damage to infrastructure, highlighting the critical role of disaster management in ensuring public safety and essential services. The UNGRD's current relevance is underscored by the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies to address the immediate crisis and build resilience against future seismic events.