Colombia deploys mobile identification services for earthquake victims

The Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil has activated a special mobile service plan to assist citizens affected by the earthquake that occurred on August 10. The initiative targets several departments, including Valle del Cauca, Chocó, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío, to facilitate civil registry and identification procedures for those who lost documents or are in vulnerable conditions.

In Risaralda, mobile units have been deployed near the San Jorge Hospital in Pereira, while in Valle del Cauca, stations equipped with satellite antennas have been established in Sevilla, Roldanillo, El Cairo, and El Águila. In Cali, identification sessions are scheduled for August 20 and 21 at designated shelters. In Chocó, activities will take place in Quibdó, with plans to expand to other affected municipalities.

To reduce administrative barriers, identification procedures will be free of charge for direct victims in Caldas and Quindío. Additionally, the entity has implemented exceptional measures for death registrations; deaths occurring between August 7 and August 21 in the five emergency departments will not be considered late registrations, and the requirement for a police inspector's order has been waived to streamline the process.