United Nations Supporting Government-Led Response to Earthquake in Colombia, Secretary-General Says, Saddened by Reports of Over 160 Fatalities

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is saddened by reports that more than 160 people have lost their lives, with many others injured, following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia yesterday.

He expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Colombia and extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for a speedy recovery to all those affected, as reports emerge of collapsed homes and other significant damage and as the authorities work to assess the full impact.

The United Nations is in close contact with the Colombian authorities and is supporting the Government-led response as requested.