Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain have expressed their "heartfelt condolences" to those affected by the largest earthquake Colombia has seen in years. A devastating and powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake rattled western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 132 people.
"We wish to convey to the Colombian people our deepest solidarity and full support during these difficult times," a translated statement released by the Royal Household on 11 August read in response to the natural disaster.
It continued: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost a loved one and to all those affected by the earthquake.
"Our thoughts are also with the missing persons, including 164 Spaniards who have not yet been located, and we hope that they may all be found as soon as possible." King Felipe had visited Colombia just days earlier for the inauguration of the new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, on 7 August.
What happened in Colombia?
© Getty ImagesThe epicentre of the 7.4 magnitude quake was in the village of San José del Palmar, causing widespread destruction in western Colombia. The quake was felt across Manizales, Cali, and Pereira, as well as neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
Since the earthquake struck on 10 August, the death toll has risen to 132 people and 570 injured, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities. Cali, which is the most populous city in southwest Colombia, has been the worst affected area with 85 reported deaths.
Colombia's president, Abelardo de la Espriella, assured he was at the "forefront of the situation" in a translated update shared on X (formerly Twitter). "In the face of the emergency, the State responds: united, coordinated, and in action to protect the lives of Colombians. I am at the forefront of the situation. It pains me deeply what the families and affected regions are going through. Colombia is united and we will move forward together," he wrote.
© Getty ImagesThe royals speak out after devastating double earthquake
The disaster in Colombia comes after two devastating earthquakes hit Venezuela in June, leaving more than 6,000 people reported dead.
"Our full support goes out to the people of Venezuela following the tragedy caused by the two earthquakes that have struck the country," a translated statement issued by Spain's Royal Household read.
"We want to convey our solidarity, our compassion, and our strength to all those injured and to the communities affected by this disaster. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time."
