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Abinader Offers Dominican Support After Colombia Earthquake
President Luis Abinader expressed the Dominican Republic's solidarity with Colombia after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's western region, joining a broader international response that included offers of rescue and humanitarian assistance.
President Luis Abinader expressed the Dominican Republic’s solidarity with Colombia following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country’s western region on August 10, offering assistance as rescue and emergency operations continued.
The earthquake was centered near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó and was felt across Colombia as well as in neighboring Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. The disaster caused widespread damage and a rising death toll, prompting governments across Latin America, the United States and Europe to offer support.
Abinader Says Dominican Republic Is Ready to Assist
In a message published on X, Abinader said the Dominican Republic stood with Colombia and expressed condolences to victims, their families and affected communities. He also indicated that his government remained prepared to provide whatever support and assistance might be needed.
The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs likewise expressed its condolences over the deaths and damage caused by the earthquake and said it was monitoring developments.
The Dominican response comes as the scale of the disaster has continued to emerge. International reporting on August 11 placed the number of confirmed deaths above 100, while rescue teams continued searching damaged buildings and authorities assessed the impact across western Colombia.
Regional Governments Offer Rescue Teams and Aid
Colombia’s neighbors were among the first governments to offer practical assistance. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa offered 47 rescuers, specialized search dogs and equipment capable of operating independently for seven days, while saying Ecuador was ready to deploy the team when requested.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino also expressed solidarity and said his country was prepared to collaborate within its capabilities. Brazil, meanwhile, said it remained available to Colombia to provide the necessary support.
Venezuela offered to send rescue teams and humanitarian assistance, while its government expressed solidarity with Colombian victims and affected families. Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado also conveyed her support.
United States and Europe Join International Response
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was closely monitoring the earthquake and was ready to support the Colombian people. He also urged U.S. citizens in Colombia to register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and follow U.S. Embassy Bogotá for updates.
In Europe, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed solidarity with Colombia, while Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the Spanish consular network was mobilized to assist Spanish citizens in the country.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union had mobilized its Copernicus satellite service to support rescue operations. The European response adds satellite-based emergency mapping to the international assistance being offered as Colombian authorities assess damage and search for survivors.
The earthquake has therefore triggered a broad regional and international response, with governments offering everything from political solidarity to specialized rescue personnel and technical assistance. For the Dominican Republic, Abinader’s message places the country alongside its regional partners in expressing support for Colombia as emergency teams continue their work.
