The United States government announced on Monday $15.5 million in aid for Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck several regions of the country. The funds are meant for emergency shelter, food, protection and assessments of damage caused by the quake.
The State Department announced the aid on its account on X, expressing solidarity with the Colombian people and saying it stood ready to support the government of President Abelardo de la Espriella as needs are evaluated on the ground.
Rubio's earlier offer of support
Before the aid was made official, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had offered support to Colombia and said the United States was monitoring the situation and ready to help. Rubio also urged US citizens in Colombia to register on the State Department's website and follow the Bogota embassy's social media accounts for assistance and official information.
Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, who was born in Bogota, also expressed solidarity with Colombia, saying the United States stood ready to support its great ally and praising the excellent leadership of the newly inaugurated De la Espriella.
Epicenter in Choco department
The Colombian Geological Survey said the 7.4 magnitude quake was centered in San Jose del Palmar, in the Choco department in the Pacific region, though the country's central coffee-growing zone was among the areas hit hardest. The US government had celebrated De la Espriella's inauguration last Friday and announced plans to direct $1 billion to Colombia as part of a security package.
