Colombian Footballer Sends Aid Plane to Earthquake Epicenter

Colombian footballer Jhon Arias is personally funding a plane carrying medical supplies and health professionals to Quibdó, his hometown and the capital of the Chocó department. This region was the epicenter of a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country, claiming at least 169 lives and causing extensive damage.

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We have used our own resources to send a plane that will be landing in Quibdó in a few hours with health professionals and loaded with medical supplies to try to alleviate the health circumstances in our region a little.

Arias, who plays for Brazil's Palmeiras and represents the Colombian national team, announced the initiative, stating, "We have used our own resources to send a plane that will be landing in Quibdó in a few hours with health professionals and loaded with medical supplies to try to alleviate the health circumstances in our region a little."

In a video message with his wife, Alejandra Ayala, also from Quibdó, Arias expressed solidarity with the victims and lamented the destruction of homes affecting thousands. "We reaffirm our support. We are available to provide the greatest help within our reach. Also, to send a message of encouragement and support because we know these are difficult hours, hours of much uncertainty, fear, and desperation," he said.

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We reaffirm our support. We are available to provide the greatest help within our reach. Also, to send a message of encouragement and support because we know these are difficult hours, hours of much uncertainty, fear, and desperation.

Ayala explained that they have opened two bank accounts, one in Colombia and another in Brazil, to collect donations. She highlighted the isolation of the Chocó department, noting issues with potable water and frequent road closures. "Chocó is a very isolated department, it doesn't have potable water, the roads are closed frequently... Together we can contribute a grain of sand to make this situation more bearable, which is very sad for us, it hurts us a lot," she stated.

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Chocó is a very isolated department, it doesn't have potable water, the roads are closed frequently… Together we can contribute a grain of sand to make this situation more bearable, which is very sad for us, it hurts us a lot.

Arias urged his followers to remain united in the face of this tragedy, which has resulted in at least 14 deaths in Chocó, one of Colombia's poorest and most neglected regions. "We are a great region, we are a great country, and we are people capable of moving forward despite adversity," Arias emphasized. The earthquake, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, occurred at a depth of 103 kilometers, causing damage across central and western Colombia.

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We are a great region, we are a great country, and we are people capable of moving forward despite adversity.