The IRC team was given an escort to the airport under military guard where they took a C130 Military flight to Bogota.

It is reported that, due to the high number of rescue teams deployed to the area, the search and rescue tasks have been carried out quickly and all international teams will return home over the next few days, subject to flights.

The team were met by officials from the British Embassy in Bogota and found hotel accommodation.

The IRC team will return to the UK on flight BA2048 departing 18:20 hrs (local) from Bogota to Gatwick on Sunday 31st January 1999.  They are expected to arrive at Gatwick-North Terminal at 12:55 hrs GMT on Monday 1st February 1999.

Requested by the local Fire Service to confirm a person trapped within a collapsed building, the search team reached the person but they were confirmed dead.  IRC were unable to subsequently retrieve the body due to hazardous environmental conditions.   The team continued to assist in SAR tasks within Armenia.

Team Leader, Keith Underwood, attended a meeting with representatives from the USA, France, Germany, Mexico and local Civil Defence.  It was reported that some 1,000-rescue workers were now in Armenia City.

Following the meeting it was identified that many buildings have not been marked as searched.  Therefore, a priority list of buildings has been established and a sweep search will be conducted.

A reconnaissance team will conduct an assessment by helicopter of outlining areas and, if no further damage is reported, the search and rescue phase will be wound down.   The IRC team will expect to fly home Sunday 31st January or Monday 1st February.

The International Rescue Corps team, have now set up their base camp at the Cisueros Military Barracks in Armenia.

There is a strong military presence around the city and the base where the team is working.  Search and Rescue tasks are being completed throughout the day and due to sniper fire in their location work concludes at 5.00pm.  Although, they may continue to work after this time with a Military Escort, but this has declined, as it would not prevent sniper fire and may draw attention to the team.  Due to locals attempting to raid the barracks for food supplies there is a 24 guard around the perimeter - gunfire is reported during the night.

The team are working closely with other agencies and have been offered a medical / medivac assistance if required for team members.

Other international teams arrived today from America, Venezuela, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Germany and France.

Due to the arrival of the international teams - it has been agreed that they set up a committee to co-ordinate the rescue efforts along the lines of OSOCC. This has been warmly welcomed.