In response to the heavy loss of life and property caused by the August 10 earthquake in Colombia, and in the spirit of the two countries’ traditional friendship, solidarity and mutual support, the Vietnamese state and people have decided to provide $100,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance.

The aid is intended to help the Colombian government and people overcome the consequences of the disaster and enable residents in affected areas to stabilize their lives as soon as possible.

Earlier, General Secretary and President To Lam sent a message of condolences to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, as well as the Colombian government and people.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung also sent a message of condolences to Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar.

According to Colombia’s national disaster risk management agency, as of 6:30 a.m. on August 28, the earthquake that struck the western part of the country had killed 331 people and injured 4,449, while hundreds remained missing.

On August 19, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella signed a decree declaring a 30-day state of economic, social and ecological emergency in areas affected by the earthquake.

Tran Thuong