India Sends 20 Tons of Humanitarian Aid to Colombia After Major Earthquake

India has dispatched 20 tons of humanitarian aid to Colombia to support recovery efforts after a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the country's western region earlier this week. The aid, which includes vital medical supplies and essential goods, was sent on Friday, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the shipment via X, stating, "The first consignment of 20 metric tons of relief supplies has been sent to Colombia to support the recovery efforts following the earthquake." The assistance comprises medicines, medical equipment, temporary shelter, and hygiene items, all crucial for disaster response.

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The first consignment of 20 metric tons of relief supplies has been sent to Colombia to support the recovery efforts following the earthquake.

The aid is expected to reach Colombia in approximately 40 hours. The earthquake, which occurred on Monday, has resulted in at least 265 fatalities and around 3,500 injuries, according to Colombian authorities. The disaster has left many families in dire need of support and essential resources.

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The assistance includes medicines and medical equipment, temporary shelter, and hygiene items, as well as other essential products needed after the disaster.

Colombia's Ambassador to India, Víctor Echeverri, expressed deep gratitude for India's gesture, noting the unusual nature of such significant assistance from a country at such a distance. "Colombia is very grateful to the Government of India for this decision... It is very unusual for countries at such a distance to have this gesture of friendship with these families who are suffering so much at this time," he told EFE.

India's aid places it among several nations offering support to Colombia, including Spain, Israel, Sweden, Turkey, the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Ecuador, Japan, and Brazil. This is not the first time India has provided humanitarian assistance in the region; in June, it sent a mission to Venezuela following two major earthquakes there.

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Colombia is very grateful to the Government of India for this decision (...) It is very unusual for countries at such a distance to have this gesture of friendship with these families who are suffering so much at this time.