The 25 volunteer engineers from the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) have completed three days of fieldwork, assisting with the technical assessment of buildings damaged by the August 10 earthquake.
UIS Engineers Go Where They’re Needed Most
The expertise and experience of the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) are on the ground in Pereira to help assist communities affected by the August 10 earthquake. For three days, 25 volunteer engineers from the UIS School of Civil Engineering—including professors, alumni, and graduate students—have toured different areas of the city to assist with the assessment of damaged buildings.
Their work is part of the technical response deployed in the field to provide the information needed to make decisions regarding the safety of structures and the protection of families.
Recognition from the National Government
This Friday, the President of the Republic, Abelardo De La Espriella, recognized the work of the professionals participating in these assessments during his visit to the Expofuturo Convention Center, where he is leading Phase 2 of the emergency response and efforts to advance Pereira’s recovery.
Referring to the work being carried out by structural engineers and other experts in the area, the president said: “At this time, I want to thank the structural engineers and other experts—thank you for that, thank you for all your help—to those who are assessing the buildings.”
The president’s words highlight work that is essential at this stage of the emergency: obtaining a technical understanding of the condition of the buildings before determining the necessary repair, intervention, or reconstruction measures.
Knowledge for Safe Reconstruction
During the event held at Expofuturo, the president noted that reconstruction must proceed quickly, but be based on technical criteria and free of improvisation.
In this regard, the contribution of UIS engineers takes on special significance: their work helps determine which buildings can remain inhabited, which require repairs, and which must be replaced—always prioritizing people’s safety.
The UIS’s participation demonstrates the University’s ability to respond to the country’s needs and put its knowledge at the service of communities in times of emergency.
UIS: There When Colombia Needs It
The mission underway in Pereira represents the University Industrial de Santander’s commitment to the lives, safety, and well-being of communities.
Over the course of three days on the ground, UIS engineers have demonstrated that knowledge can also translate into solidarity, service, and hope: 25 professionals who left their classrooms and projects behind to help Pereira get back on its feet.
