King Mohammed VI has extended his deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to President of Colombia Gabriel de la Espriella following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that hit this South America country.
In his message of condolences, the Moroccan Sovereign has said that he is saddened by Colombia earthquake tragedy and expressed the Kingdom’s full solidarity and compassion with Colombia, the bereaved families and the Colombian people.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster situation, creating special powers to react to the emergency, including to reallocate budgets.
At least 265 people died and 570 injured as a result of the powerful quake that struck western Colombia, according to press reports. Emergency responders are racing to dig people out of the rubble.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Jose Del Palmar, about 150 miles west of Bogotá. The tremor was felt across the country, as well as in neighboring Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama.
