King Charles and Queen Camilla have issued a statement saying they have been left “dreadfully saddened” by the earthquake in Colombia.
A 7.4 magnitude tremor hit the South American country at 7.34am local time (12.34pm GMT) on Monday, with an epicentre in San José del Palmar, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
At least 224 people have died, while approximately 3,000 individuals remain missing, making it the country’s deadliest quake this century.
Following the widespread devastation, His Majesty The King released an official statement on social media, addressing “the people of Colombia”.
“My wife and I were so dreadfully saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that has struck your country, and the tragic loss of life and suffering it has caused,” it reads.
“At this most difficult of times, our special thoughts are with the bereaved and injured, those awaiting news of family and friends and the emergency responders working tirelessly to support those in need.
“We greatly admire the resilience and strength of the Colombian people, and we send our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences during this most challenging and distressing period.”
The King’s words follow those of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco earlier this evening, who took to Instagram saying they had been “deeply moved to learn of the powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia yesterday, claiming many lives and leaving many injured”.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have issued a statement saying they have been left “dreadfully saddened” by the earthquake in Colombia
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GETTY
His Majesty The King released the statement on the official Royal Family social media channels
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X: @THEROYALFAMILY
“My family and the people of Monaco join me in extending our deepest condolences to the Colombian people and in expressing our full solidarity in the face of this tragedy, which occurred a month and a half after the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela,” the royal couple said.
“Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and the injured, to whom we offer our deepest compassion during this painful time.”
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain also joined the royals; they expressed their “deepest solidarity and our full support during these very difficult times” earlier.
At least 224 people have died, while approximately 3,000 individuals remain missing, making it Colombia’s deadliest quake this century
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REUTERS
More than 5,000 homes have been destroyed in Cali, while 40 buildings have collapsed. Cali’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, stated that 37 people had been rescued from fallen buildings
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REUTERS
“We wholeheartedly stand with those who have lost a loved one and with all the people affected by the earthquake.
“Our thoughts are also with the missing persons, among them 164 Spaniards who have still not been located, in the hope that all of them may be found as soon as possible.”
King Felipe VI had visited the city of Cali on Friday to oversee the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. Cali – which is Colombia’s third largest city with an estimated 2.3million residents – has been among the worst hit by the disaster.
More than 5,000 homes have been destroyed in the city, while 40 buildings have collapsed. Cali’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, stated that 37 people had been rescued from fallen buildings.
Mr de la Espriella insisted that no one is “alone”, adding: “The Government is here and taking action.”
Meanwhile, Mr Eder declared: “We will get through this together.”