Celac backs Colombia after earthquake, offers aid

The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) has voiced its full support for Colombia following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The regional bloc offered both individual and collective cooperation to aid in the ongoing rescue, assistance, and recovery operations. This support comes as Colombia grapples with the aftermath of the tremor, which has tragically claimed at least 240 lives, according to regional authorities, though the national government has reported 181 fatalities. Celac's statement, shared by Uruguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed deep condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with those affected. The organization pledged to closely monitor the humanitarian situation caused by the natural disaster. International aid is mobilizing, with the Inter-American Development Bank Group activating a $300 million emergency financing fund and providing $500,000 in humanitarian assistance. The earthquake struck several departments in western Colombia, including Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and Caldas, leaving thousands displaced and in need of support.

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Celac expresses its full support for the ongoing rescue, assistance, and recovery efforts, and reiterates the desire, already expressed by its Member States in their national capacity, to collaborate and cooperate in everything within its reach, individually and collectively.