António Guterres expresses solidarity with Colombia after devastating earthquake
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep regret and solidarity with the people and Government of Colombia this Tuesday, following the powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook various regions of the country this Monday. Through an official statement, the UN’s highest authority extended his condolences to the families of the victims and sent wishes for recovery to the numerous injured.
The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Colombia, conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and wishes a speedy and full recovery to all those affected, as reports emerge of collapsed houses and other significant damage.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN
The organization reported that they are maintaining constant communication with Colombian authorities to closely monitor the situation and provide the necessary support for the response efforts coordinated by the State. The international body deeply regretted the loss of human lives and the magnitude of the material damage reported in the impacted areas.
Casualty toll and affected areas
The earthquake, which had its epicenter in the Chocó department, has left a preliminary toll of at least 240 dead, a figure that regional authorities have been updating as rescue and debris removal efforts progress. The impact has been significant in several departments of the national territory:
- Valle del Cauca: 35 deaths are recorded in various municipalities and 95 additional fatalities in Cali, the departmental capital.
- Risaralda: Local authorities report approximately 90 people deceased due to the earthquake.
- Chocó: As the epicenter zone of the disaster, the department registers 14 fatalities.
- Caldas: The governor’s office has confirmed the death of six people so far.
As emergency teams continue to work in the affected areas, the death toll could vary. Alofoke Deportes will continue to report on the development of this emergency and the recovery efforts on Colombian soil.
