The European Union has launched its consular assistance mechanism for crises and has activated the European satellite service Copernicus, in addition to releasing funds, with the aim of supporting rescue and humanitarian aid efforts following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake recorded this Monday in Colombia, which has caused more than a hundred fatalities.
"The EU has mobilized Copernicus, our satellite service, to support rescue and relief operations. We are providing funding to support the response, also through the Red Cross," said the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, in a message on social media this Tuesday.
The top official of European diplomacy has also confirmed the activation of the EU consular assistance mechanism in crisis situations to provide support to European citizens affected by the disaster, and explained that she has already conveyed the condolences of the community bloc to her Colombian counterpart.
This gesture adds to the support expressed in recent hours by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who on Monday announced the activation of the European satellite service to assist in rescue efforts and reiterated that the bloc is ready to offer more help to the South American country.
"Tonight, the heart of Europe is with the people of Colombia after the terrible earthquake in the Chocó region. We have already mobilized Copernicus, our satellite service, to help in the rescue operations," said the head of the community executive.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has also made public the Eurochamber's support for those affected by the earthquake and has sent her condolences to the relatives of the victims. "Europe stands in solidarity with Colombia in these difficult times," she stated.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale, had its epicenter five kilometers east of San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, and at a depth of 107 kilometers, according to a preliminary report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). So far, at least 132 deaths have been recorded and damage in various regions of the country, which has led Colombian authorities to declare a "national disaster" situation.