No Dominicans affected by Colombia earthquake, Foreign Ministry confirms
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed no Dominican citizens were affected by a recent earthquake in Colombia.
- Dominican diplomatic missions in Bogotรก are in contact with Colombian authorities to monitor the situation and offer assistance.
- The earthquake, magnitude 7.4, caused significant casualties and damage in Colombia, with conflicting death tolls reported.
The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no Dominican citizens are among those affected by the powerful earthquake that recently struck Colombia. Official reports from Colombian authorities indicate that the magnitude 7.4 earthquake has caused substantial casualties and damage across four regions of the country.
Dominican diplomatic representatives, including the Embassy and Consulate General in Bogotรก, are actively communicating with Colombian officials to stay updated on the situation. They are prepared to provide necessary assistance to any Dominican nationals who may require it. The Ministry's Directorate for the Protection of Nationals Abroad in Santo Domingo is also available to receive reports and offer guidance through dedicated phone lines and email.
Colombian authorities have reported varying figures for the earthquake's death toll. While some regional authorities initially reported at least 240 fatalities, the President of Colombia cited a figure of 181 deaths. The earthquake's epicenter was located in San Josรฉ del Palmar, Chocรณ, near the departments of Valle del Cauca and Risaralda, which experienced the most severe impact. Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca, reported 95 deaths, with a total of 949 injuries and 86 people rescued in the department. The city also reported 56 collapsed buildings and 239 individuals trapped under debris.
Unfortunately, we have to report 95 deaths, that is this morning's count. We have 949 people injured and 86 people rescued.
Originally published by Diario Libre in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.