New Delhi, August 14: India on Friday dispatched the first tranche of 20 metric tonnes of relief supplies to Colombia to support recovery efforts following a devastating earthquake that struck the country earlier this week.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the assistance includes medicines and medical equipment, temporary shelters, hygiene supplies and other essential items required in the aftermath of the disaster.
“Dispatched the first tranche of the 20 MT relief supplies to Colombia to support ongoing post-earthquake recovery efforts,” Jaishankar said in a post on X, expressing India’s solidarity with the people of Colombia during the difficult period.
The assistance highlights India’s role as a first responder in humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. The magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing 281 people and injuring 3,971, while 391 people remain missing.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, the earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar at a depth of 96 kilometres.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said 44,936 families, comprising more than 102,000 people, across 15 departments and 426 municipalities have been affected. Around 10,677 homes were destroyed, while another 65,841 sustained damage.
On Tuesday, Jaishankar had expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He had also said that India was ready to extend all possible assistance to Colombia.
The latest relief shipment reinforces India’s commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance and standing in solidarity with countries affected by major natural disasters.
