DistantNews
Support us
🇻🇪 Venezuela /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombian Footballer Richard Ríos Offers Support to Earthquake-Hit Venezuela

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Colombian national team midfielder Richard Ríos expressed solidarity with Venezuelans affected by recent earthquakes.
  • Ríos offered words of support, urging those in need to ask for help and assuring them they are not alone.
  • Official figures report over 1,700 deaths and 5,000 injuries, with the UN coordinating aid and reporting tens of thousands missing.

Colombian national team midfielder Richard Ríos has sent a message of solidarity to Venezuelans grappling with the aftermath of devastating earthquakes. Speaking to the press on June 30, Ríos conveyed his support for the Venezuelan people amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

I ask God for this to end as soon as possible, that he helps the Venezuelan people a lot. We are with you, do not feel alone and ask for help if you need it.

— Richard RíosColombian national team midfielder Richard Ríos expressing solidarity with Venezuelans affected by earthquakes.

"I ask God for this to end as soon as possible, that he helps the Venezuelan people a lot. We are with you, do not feel alone and ask for help if you need it," Ríos stated. He added that if people hold onto faith, things will improve. During Colombia's last group stage match against Portugal on June 27, a moment of silence was observed for the earthquake victims.

We know that they are not going through something easy, it is beyond our control. I feel that there is only one person who can help us at this moment, and that is God. If we hold on to him, this will improve.

— Richard RíosRichard Ríos offering words of comfort and faith to those affected by the Venezuelan earthquakes.

Official figures released by the President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, indicate a grim toll of 1,719 deaths and 5,034 injured. The United Nations, meanwhile, reports at least 50,000 missing persons and is coordinating with the Venezuelan government to provide 10,000 body bags. UN Venezuela coordinator Gianluca Rampolla Del Tindaro told Reuters that the actual number of casualties is likely higher and confirmed that at least 2,500 structures have been damaged.

There is a number that is definitely higher than what was reported.

— Gianluca Rampolla Del TindaroUN Venezuela coordinator Gianluca Rampolla Del Tindaro commenting on the casualty figures from the earthquakes.

On the sporting front, Ríos played 53 minutes across Colombia's three group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, helping the team advance to the next round. The Colombian squad is preparing to face Ghana in the round of 16 on July 3. Ríos reiterated his commitment to keeping the earthquake victims in his prayers during the competition, expressing confidence that Venezuela will overcome this adversity with strength and international support.

From us, from the national team, we pray for you every day. We know it's not easy what you are going through and God will get us through this moment.

— Richard RíosRichard Ríos concluding his message of support to the Venezuelan people.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog