Guatemala's President Concerned by Colombia Earthquake, Offers Support

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo de León voiced significant concern and offered support to Colombia following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the South American nation on Monday. The tremor has resulted in a preliminary death toll of 111 people.

"We are following with great concern and regret the situation generated by this morning's earthquake in the republic of Colombia," Arévalo stated during his regular Monday press conference at the National Palace of Culture. He emphasized that he had conveyed Guatemala's solidarity to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who recently took office on August 7.

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We are following with great concern and regret the situation generated by this morning's earthquake in the republic of Colombia.

"We send to President Abelardo de la Espriella and the Colombian people, on our own behalf and on behalf of the Guatemalan people, all our solidarity," the head of state declared. He also announced that his government has offered any necessary support to Colombia.

Claudinne Ogaldes, executive secretary of Guatemala's National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred), is actively communicating with her Colombian counterpart to determine when an international aid request might be made. Ogaldes will provide updates on Guatemala's available resources and capabilities. The Guatemalan Foreign Ministry is also in contact with Guatemalan citizens residing in Colombia, though details on their well-being remain limited.

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We send to President Abelardo de la Espriella and the Colombian people, on our own behalf and on behalf of the Guatemalan people, all our solidarity.