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James Rodríguez shares heartbreak after devastating Colombia earthquake
🇦🇷 Argentina /Disasters & Emergencies

James Rodríguez shares heartbreak after devastating Colombia earthquake

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia, leaving 169 dead, over 900 injured, and 2,000 missing.
  • Colombian footballer James Rodríguez expressed devastation and urged solidarity, stating that overcoming difficult times depends on mutual support.
  • The Colombian government declared a national emergency to allocate resources to the hardest-hit regions, reviving memories of a devastating 1999 earthquake.

Colombian football captain James Rodríguez shared his heartbreak following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that devastated his country. "The situation is devastating and sad," he stated, reflecting on the 24 hours since the quake struck. Official reports indicate 169 fatalities, more than 900 injuries, and 2,000 disappearances.

The situation is devastating and sad.

— James RodríguezDescribing the aftermath of the earthquake in Colombia.

Rodríguez expressed his helplessness at the widespread damage and suffering. "Nature's force escapes all understanding, but it leaves us with a message: overcoming the most difficult moments depends on ourselves. On lending each other a hand to continue. And on being grateful for life and the opportunity to breathe," he wrote on Instagram. He emphasized the importance of helping those in despair, offering his solidarity and support.

Nature's force escapes all understanding, but it leaves us with a message: overcoming the most difficult moments depends on ourselves. On lending each other a hand to continue. And on being grateful for life and the opportunity to breathe.

— James RodríguezReflecting on the earthquake's impact and the need for resilience and mutual support.

"To all the living forces that are collaborating: simply thank you. Your unwavering work is a blessing and fills us with pride. Tomorrow will be better," he added, concluding with a heartfelt "I love you, Colombia," displayed over his nation's flag. Fellow national team player Luis Díaz also sent messages of strength and blessings to those affected.

To all the living forces that are collaborating: simply thank you. Your unwavering work is a blessing and fills us with pride. Tomorrow will be better.

— James RodríguezExpressing gratitude to rescue workers and aid providers.

The earthquake, the strongest in a decade, caused significant damage, with about a hundred buildings collapsing and people trapped. The government declared a national emergency to mobilize resources for the most affected departments, including Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. This event brings back painful memories of the 1999 earthquake in the coffee region, which claimed nearly 1,200 lives.

I love you, Colombia.

— James RodríguezConcluding his message of solidarity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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