After the 7.4 earthquake, Colombia only accepts aid from the United States, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Israel

The Colombian government denied rumors about an alleged rejection of aid to assist the victims of a powerful earthquake due to "ideological considerations."

The government explained that it is receiving the humanitarian aid offered following Monday's 7.4 magnitude earthquake. However, it clarified that it only requested search and rescue teams from the United States, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Israel.

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The earthquake especially affected populations in the Pacific and the coffee-growing region in the west of the country. According to the risk management entity, 239 people have died so far.

"We work with countries without any ideological or political consideration," declared Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula in a press conference, in response to versions from some media outlets and criticism from opponents who point out that Colombia rejected aid from governments with which President Abelardo de la Espriella does not have ideological closeness.

David Tamayo, director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), said that Colombia only formalized requests for support "from search and rescue teams from the United States, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Israel."

"We will only be accepting support from these countries, which can guarantee us search and rescue groups recognized by the international system," indicated Tamayo.

In any case, teams of volunteer rescuers from other countries have arrived in Colombia autonomously. In Cali (southwest), where there are currently 74 dead, the Topos Aztecas, a group of Mexican volunteers, arrived, and they were also assisting in search efforts following the recent earthquakes in Venezuela.

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Regarding humanitarian aid, Bula detailed that, for the moment, Colombia has received 100 tons offered by El Salvador. In addition, a flight from Mexico with 58.5 tons is on the way.

"We have been working non-stop to coordinate humanitarian aid offers. Many countries have offered us help, and we have to organize that aid," Bula said.

Among the countries that have offered humanitarian aid are El Salvador, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Qatar, Israel, India, and Chile.