Former Liberal Senator Luis Fernando Velasco has announced on his Twitter account that will be in charge of the direction of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), relieving Javier Pavawho had been subjected to speculation about his possible departure of the direction of the entity in the last days.
In context: Shaking in the Ungrd: Javier Pava would leave entity
Velasco, who served as high advisor for the Regions of the current president Gustavo Petro, thanked Pava for the important work at UNGRD and promised to contribute to the consolidation of the system, in which governors, mayors, the community and technical and operational bodies are key.
We appreciate the important work of Javier Pava in the direction of @UNGRD By instruction of the President, from today I will be in charge of it and I hope to contribute to the consolidation of the system, where governors, mayors, the community and technical and operational bodies are key
— Luis Fernando Velasco Chaves ? (@velascoluisf) April 2, 2023
The decision to name Velasco in the direction of the UNGRD occurs in a crucial moment for the country, since the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano is on orange alert, which implies that a possible eruption is expected in the next few days. The role of the UNGRD will be essential in managing the situation in the event of an eruption of the volcano.
Also read: Nevado del Ruiz volcano: this is how an eruption would affect more than 20 municipalities
Notably In Caldas, complaints have been reported about the malfunction of the volcano’s alert and emergency system. Therefore, the ex-congressman assumes the challenge of coordinating and leading efforts to protect the population in case of an emergency.
The change in the direction of the UNGRD has generated various political reactions, some sectors express their confidence in the leadership of Velasco, while others have expressed their concern and argue lack of experience.
