King Felipe and Queen Letizia break silence after …
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have expressed their solidarity with Colombia following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country, leaving at least 132 people dead and more than 570 injured. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors as authorities assess the extensive damage across western Colombia.
In an emotional message shared by the Spanish Royal Household, the King and Queen conveyed their deepest sympathy to the Colombian people during what they described as an extremely difficult time. They offered their support to families who have lost loved ones and to everyone affected by the disaster.
The Spanish monarchs also expressed concern for people who remain missing following the powerful earthquake. Among those unaccounted for are 164 Spanish citizens, according to Spain’s foreign minister. Spanish authorities have said there are currently no reports of Spanish nationals being injured or killed.
The earthquake struck on Monday near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó department. The powerful tremor was felt across a wide area and caused serious damage in several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales. Emergency crews have been working through damaged buildings and rubble in an urgent effort to locate survivors.
King Felipe’s connection to the country is particularly notable because he was in Colombia only days before the disaster. He traveled to Cali to attend the inauguration of newly elected Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. His visit formed part of a long-standing tradition in which the Spanish monarch has represented Spain at presidential inaugurations across Latin America.
The Royal Household said Felipe also sent a telegram to President de la Espriella, conveying condolences to the families of those who died and wishing injured victims a full recovery. The King also offered support to Colombian authorities as they begin the difficult task of reconstruction.
The disaster has triggered an international response as rescue operations continue. Authorities are facing the dual challenge of finding people who may still be trapped while providing shelter and assistance to thousands affected by the destruction.
For Colombia, the immediate priority remains saving lives and supporting survivors. The Spanish royals’ message underscores the international solidarity surrounding the country as it confronts one of its most serious recent natural disasters.
