"Spain is with Colombia": Sánchez shows his support after the earthquake and Foreign Affairs activates consular assistance

Pedro Sánchez has conveyed Spain's support to Colombia after the devastating earthquake that struck the west of the country this Monday. The President of the Government has sent a message of affection to the victims and their families while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs keeps its diplomatic network mobilized to assist Spanish citizens who may need help.

"All our affection and solidarity with the Colombian people after the terrible earthquake that has hit the country," Sánchez expressed. The head of the Executive has assured that Spain's thoughts are with "the victims, their families, and all affected people" and concluded his message with a direct phrase: "Spain is with Colombia in these very difficult moments."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has also communicated that he is following the evolution of the emergency. "My solidarity with the sister nation of Colombia," he wrote before confirming that the Embassy, the Consulate, and the Ministry's emergency unit are mobilized to provide assistance to Spaniards in the country.

The Consulate seeks possible affected persons

The General Consulate of Spain in Bogotá is in contact with the honorary consulates located in the affected regions to ascertain if there are any affected Spaniards. Sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have explained that the consular office is "aware of the situation and monitoring it."

The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.4, had its epicenter near San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó. The tremor has caused severe devastation in different parts of western Colombia, especially in Pereira, Cali, Manizales, and several municipalities in Valle del Cauca, while search and rescue efforts continue among dozens of collapsed buildings.

The Consulate has recommended following the instructions of the Colombian authorities and consulting only official information. The publication refers to the Colombian Geological Service and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, which keep their warnings updated regarding the possibility of new aftershocks.

Spaniards who find themselves in an emergency situation can call 123 within Colombia or contact the consular emergency phone number +57 316 4733216, reserved exclusively for Spanish citizens. Foreign Affairs also keeps the number +34 910001249 operational from Spain and the email cog.bogota@maec.es.