The UN expresses its solidarity with Colombia and maintains “close contact” with the Government following the earthquake

United Nations.- UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his solidarity with Colombia this Tuesday following the strong earthquake that shook the country yesterday, and stated that the organization is «in close contact» with the Colombian authorities.

“The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Colombia, conveys his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and wishes a speedy and full recovery to all those affected, as reports emerge of collapsed homes and other significant damage,” noted Guterres’ Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, in a statement.

Haq assured that the organization maintains “close contact” with the authorities and supports “the government-led response,” and also noted that Guterres “deeply” regrets the loss of life.

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The affected departments

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday has caused the death of at least 240 people, according to the toll that has been published by various regional authorities in the areas affected by the quake.

In the municipalities of Valle del Cauca (southwest), according to provisional data from the governor’s office, there are 35 dead, to which 95 are added in Cali, its capital, while in Risaralda (center) there are “around 90 deceased people,” indicated the Secretary of Government of Risaralda, Israel Londoño.

In addition, 14 people lost their lives in the department of Chocó (west), the epicenter of the earthquake, according to its governor, Diana Carolina Córdoba-Nuri, while the Government of Caldas (center) reported six deaths.