Colombia denies rejecting quake help on ideological grounds

Bogota's newly formed hard-right government has firmly rejected allegations that it deliberately turned away earthquake aid on ideological grounds, despite only accepting assistance from right-wing-led nations. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake, which has claimed at least 239 lives, has put President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration to the test.

Foreign Minister Omar Bula stated that the government has been working tirelessly to coordinate humanitarian aid offers, and has already facilitated significant donations such as 100 tonnes from El Salvador and 58.5 tonnes from Mexico. He emphasized that they have not excluded any country and that all aid is being organized to ensure it meets necessary qualifications.

However, David Tamayo, head of Colombia's disaster relief agency, clarified that they are only accepting teams recognized by both international and national authorities as qualified for search and rescue operations. These teams are self-sufficient and will not require additional resources from local authorities. Hector Mendez, a senior member of Colombia's famed rescue team, Topos Azteca, expressed frustration at the government's decision, pleading for them to allow his colleagues to work and help rescue the trapped.

He pleaded, "Let's work together and try to recover our brothers and sisters buried in different locations" to avoid the narrative from becoming politicized.