Dominican Republic offers consular aid to citizens in Colombia after major earthquake

The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex) has made its two consular offices in Colombia available to assist Dominican citizens residing in the country after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the region.

The tremor occurred around 7:34 a.m. local time, with its effects felt in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Colombian authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage. The Dominican Chancellery provided contact information for the Dominican Embassy in Colombia, including its address in Bogotá, a phone number (+57 301 115 4365), and an email address (embajadadomcolombia@mirex.gob.do). The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Bogotá also shared its contact details.

"For any emergency resulting from the unfortunate earthquake that occurred near San José del Palmar, Chocó, Colombia, you can contact @rdencolombia or @rdenbogota, using the contact details provided above," the Chancellery stated in an Instagram post. Dominican Ambassador to Colombia, Félix Aracena Vargas, informed El Día newspaper that, to date, no Dominicans have reported any damage or harm. He noted that approximately 2,200 Dominicans reside in Colombia.

President Luis Abinader expressed solidarity with the Colombian people, affirming the Dominican Republic's readiness to offer support and assistance. His thoughts and prayers are with the victims and affected communities. "On behalf of the Dominican people, I express our deepest solidarity with Colombia following the earthquake that has impacted various regions of the country. The Dominican Republic stands with Colombia and remains ready to provide the necessary support and assistance," Abinader stated via X.

The earthquake, registered at 7:34 a.m. local time with an epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, at a depth of 82 kilometers, caused damage across central and western Colombia. Preliminary reports indicate over 111 fatalities, dozens of injuries, 1,575 damaged homes, and 37 completely destroyed. Additionally, 61 buildings collapsed, and 18 health centers and 52 educational facilities sustained damage, according to information attributed to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.