India dispatches first tranche of 20 tonnes of relief material to earthquake-hit Colombia

India has dispatched the initial shipment of a 20-tonne relief consignment to Colombia, offering crucial support in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that claimed 265 lives and injured thousands.

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Dispatched the first tranche of the 20 MT relief supplies to Colombia to support ongoing post-earthquake recovery efforts. The assistance includes medicines & medical equipment, temporary shelter & hygiene support, and other essential items needed in the aftermath of the disaster. India stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia during these difficult times.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the dispatch on X, detailing that the humanitarian aid package comprises essential medical equipment, medicines, temporary shelter materials, and hygiene kits. These supplies are intended to address urgent needs on the ground following the disaster. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster response, expressing solidarity with Colombia during this difficult period.

The swift delivery of aid highlights India's role as a global first responder and underscores the strengthening diplomatic and humanitarian ties between New Delhi and Bogota. The consignment is part of India's ongoing efforts to support countries facing crises.

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It is undoubtedly a tragedy of great dimensions, but it is precisely in these moments when we must unite under the flag of Colombia.

In response to the catastrophe, Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella declared an "economic emergency." This measure allows the government to implement exceptional actions for earthquake relief and reconstruction. The President described the situation as a "tragedy of great dimensions," noting that the government is preparing measures to assist affected families and businesses, and to accelerate reconstruction efforts. The 7.4 magnitude earthquake affected over 53,000 people, with the government prioritizing the search for 496 missing individuals.

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Taking into account the severity of the circumstances, a tragedy like this forces us to take exceptional measures. This crisis hits us at a difficult time, in the midst of the most complex fiscal crisis in our republican history, with a high level of debt and limited resources. We are structuring measures such as the government paying for public services, rental subsidies, tax relief, and economic support for the most vulnerable families and small merchants. I have decided to invoke the economic emergency provided for in our Constitution.