Short answer. No. Official Colombian sources describe no network of public blast or fallout shelters 1. After a disaster, affected people go to temporary accommodation (alojamientos temporales) organised by local authorities with UNGRD support. The Ministry of Health guidelines describe these as places to stay until people can return home or be relocated, and as a last resort 1.
What are alojamientos temporales?
Circular Externa 040 of 2015, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, UNGRD and the National Institute of Health, sets health guidelines for temporary accommodation. It defines them as "the places where people affected by emergencies or disasters spend time until they can return to their usual residence or be relocated", and adds that they "do not provide a long-term solution and must be considered the last option" 1.
What forms does temporary accommodation take?
The official guidelines describe three forms 1:
| Form | What it means |
|---|---|
| Self-accommodation | Staying with relatives or friends outside the affected zone |
| Rent subsidies | Financial support to rent housing |
| Temporary shelters | Tarps, tents, collective centres or quick-built structures |
Planning a place to stay with relatives or friends outside your area is part of a good family plan. See our family plan guide.
How do I find a temporary shelter?
There is no national list or map, and the number of sites is not published 12. UNGRD's preparedness guide says to follow the instructions of authorities and responders if you are told to move to temporary accommodation 2. It also asks pet owners to find out in advance which shelters the authorities have authorised for animals 2.
What should I do instead of looking for a bunker?
Colombia's official guidance focuses on the hazards the country faces: earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides and tsunamis. Prepare the 5-day kit (kit), agree on an evacuation route and meeting point (emergency supplies) and follow official alerts (alerts). Our guides on earthquake preparedness, tsunami, volcanic ash and whether to shelter or evacuate cover each case.
Frequently asked questions
Are there fallout shelters in Bogotá?
Official sources describe no public blast or fallout shelters anywhere in Colombia 1.
Who runs temporary shelters?
Local authorities, with UNGRD support. Health guidelines for them were set in Circular Externa 040 of 2015 1.
Can I bring my pet to a temporary shelter?
Only to shelters the authorities have authorised for animals. UNGRD advises finding out which ones in advance 2.
Sources
- Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social, UNGRD, Instituto Nacional de Salud (text hosted by Ámbito Jurídico) — Circular Externa 040 de 2015 — Lineamientos en salud para la gestión de alojamientos temporales — https://www.ambitojuridico.com/sites/default/files/BancoMedios/Archivos/circexterna-0040-15%28gestionriesgodesastres%29.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD) — Guía de preparativos ante sismo — https://portal.gestiondelriesgo.gov.co/Documents/Guias/Guia-sismos-digital-f%20%285%29%20%282%29.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
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Sources
- Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social, UNGRD, Instituto Nacional de Salud (text hosted by Ámbito Jurídico) · Circular Externa 040 de 2015 — Lineamientos en salud para la gestión de alojamientos temporales checked 2026-10-20
- Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD) · Guía de preparativos ante sismo checked 2026-10-20