Mayor's son dies after building collapses during earthquake in Chocó

A profound tragedy has struck the municipality of Bahía Solano in Colombia's Chocó region, with the confirmation of the death of 6-year-old Mateo Valencia Valencia. The child was the son of local mayor Jairson Leonel Valencia Pinilla and social manager Yirley Valencia.

Mateo died after being trapped in the rubble when a building collapsed during a strong earthquake that shook the region on Monday, August 10. The seismic event caused significant damage to the local infrastructure, leading to the fall of residential structures.

The loss of young Mateo has sent waves of shock through local institutions and the community. In response, the Municipal Administration of Bahía Solano issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the mayor's family. The statement conveyed solidarity and offered prayers for the child's eternal rest, urging strength and serenity for his loved ones.

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We express our deep sorrow and extend our most sincere condolences to the family of the mayor. The institution expresses its solidarity and offers prayers for the eternal rest of the minor, calling for strength and serenity for his loved ones in this difficult time.

To commemorate Mateo's memory and foster a sense of unity, the municipality has invited all citizens to a memorial service scheduled for the evening of August 10 at the municipal headquarters. The community is expected to gather in large numbers to support the Valencia family during their time of grief.

The latest reports from the Chocó Governorate indicate that the earthquake has resulted in 12 fatalities and 119 injuries. Damage to homes, buildings, and both public and private infrastructure across various municipalities is still being assessed and has not yet been fully quantified.

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We report damage to homes, buildings, and public and private infrastructure in different municipalities. The damages are being evaluated and have not yet been quantified.