Bogotá.- Presidents and leaders of Latin America expressed their solidarity with Colombia on Monday and offered assistance to face the consequences of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook the northwest of the country, leaving at least 111 dead and causing the collapse of buildings and damage in various cities.
The earthquake, recorded at 7:34 (local time), had its epicenter near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, and was considered by the Colombian Geological Service as the largest magnitude recorded in the country in the last decade. Authorities declared a national disaster as search, rescue, and damage assessment efforts continue.
Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, was one of the first regional leaders to speak out and assured that her country will provide Colombia with "all the support it requires." "We just learned about the serious earthquake in Colombia. We do not have more information yet, but we are very attentive," Sheinbaum said during her morning conference at the National Palace.
The President noted that the Mexican government remains in contact with its embassy in Colombia and the Colombian ambassador in Mexico to monitor the emergency and determine if any Mexican citizens are affected. "As soon as we know the help needs of the Colombian people, we will be there," she affirmed.
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BOGOTÁ.- Presidents and leaders of Latin America expressed their solidarity with Colombia on Monday and offered assistance to face the consequences of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook the northwest of the country, leaving at least 111 dead and causing building collapses and damage in different cities. The earthquake, recorded at 7:34 (local time), had its epicenter near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, and was considered by the Colombian Geological Service as the largest magnitude recorded in the country in the last decade. Authorities declared a national disaster as search, rescue, and damage assessment tasks continue. Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, was one of the first regional leaders to speak out and assured that her country will provide Colombia with "all the support it requires." "We just learned about the serious earthquake in Colombia. We do not have more information yet, but we are very attentive," Sheinbaum said during her morning conference at the National Palace. The president noted that the Mexican government remains in contact with its embassy in Colombia and the Colombian ambassador in Mexico to monitor the emergency's progress and determine if any Mexican citizens are affected. "As soon as we know the help needs of the Colombian people, we will be there," she affirmed. Other Latin American presidents used their social media, such as X, to send messages of solidarity with Colombians. From El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele also offered immediate assistance and assured that his government is prepared to send rescue teams, medical and paramedical personnel, as well as supplies. "We are closely monitoring the consequences of the strong earthquake that struck Colombia this morning," Bukele said, expressing condolences to the victims' families and stating that El Salvador is "ready to support immediately" with whatever resources are necessary. Ecuador went beyond a general aid offer. President Daniel Noboa made available a USAR team of 47 rescuers, accompanied by specialized dogs and equipment with autonomy to operate for seven days. "All our solidarity with Colombia and with the families affected by this morning's earthquake. Colombia, Ecuador is with you," Noboa wrote. The president indicated that the teams are ready to mobilize when Colombian authorities request it. Chile also offered its support. President José Antonio Kast conveyed his solidarity with the Colombian people and recalled his country's experience with earthquakes. "Chile knows the pain and challenge left by earthquakes. We are available to support whatever Colombia needs," Kast said. Brazil, on the opposite political spectrum from Abelardo de la Espriella, joined the expressions of solidarity through President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who said he received the news of the earthquake "with concern" and conveyed his condolences to the victims' families and all those affected. "Brazil remains at Colombia's disposal to provide the necessary support," Lula stated. In Peru, the newly elected President Keiko Fujimori expressed her condolences for the victims and showed her willingness to collaborate with the Colombian government. "To President Abelardo de la Espriella and the entire Colombian people, I send our willingness to help. Peru is with you," she said. The United States also announced that it is closely monitoring the situation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the administration of President Donald Trump is monitoring the earthquake and is prepared to support the Colombian people and the De la Espriella government. Rubio also advised U.S. citizens in Colombia to follow communications from the U.S. embassy for the latest information on the emergency. The only regional leader who did not show messages of solidarity with his own people was Gustavo Petro. Three days after leaving the Palacio de Nariño, the former Colombian president referred to the earthquake with a brief message on his social media: "The earth screams, and who listens to its messages?" The wave of regional solidarity occurred while Colombian emergency teams work in the most affected areas. Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and Quibdó are among the cities reporting damage, while efforts continue to locate people who may remain trapped under the rubble. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office just three days before the earthquake, declared a national disaster and ordered the response to be coordinated from a Unified Command Post. The president also announced he will travel to Pereira to support those affected and supervise the state response. The scale of the tragedy and the number of victims remain under assessment, as Colombian authorities consolidate reports from various affected regions. Agencies ANSA and APColombiaEarthquakeClaudia Sheinbaum