King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia Pledge Solidarity After Devastating 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake in Colombia

Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia have issued a message of solidarity and condolence after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and injuring hundreds.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain shared a message following the devastating earthquake in Colombia (Getty Images)

Royal Statement and Immediate Concerns

On 11 August, the Royal Household released a translated statement expressing Spain's "deepest solidarity and full support during these difficult times." The statement offered "heartfelt condolences to those who have lost a loved one and to all those affected by the earthquake," and highlighted concerns for the missing, including 164 Spaniards who had not yet been located.

The royal couple also spoke out after twin earthquakes in Venezuela earlier in the year (Getty Images)

“We wish to convey to the Colombian people our deepest solidarity and full support during these difficult times. We offer our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost a loved one and to all those affected by the earthquake.”

Damage, Casualties and Local Response

The quake, which struck on 10 August, had its epicentre near the village of San José del Palmar and caused widespread destruction across western Colombia. It was felt as far away as Ecuador and Panama and in major Colombian cities including Manizales, Pereira and Cali. Authorities and local sources cite at least 132 confirmed deaths and roughly 570 injured, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities. Cali, the largest city in southwest Colombia, has been hardest hit, with 85 reported deaths.

“In the face of the emergency, the State responds: united, coordinated, and in action to protect the lives of Colombians. I am at the forefront of the situation,” President Abelardo de la Espriella wrote on X (formerly Twitter), pledging a coordinated national response and stressing unity in recovery efforts.

Context and International Solidarity

King Felipe had visited Colombia days earlier to attend the inauguration of the new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, on 7 August. The Royal Household also recalled Spain's earlier messages of support after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela in June, which were reported to have caused thousands of casualties.

Relief efforts are underway as authorities focus on search and rescue, accounting for the missing, and providing medical and humanitarian aid to affected communities. International and regional coordination continues as Colombia assesses the full scale of the damage and begins the longer process of recovery.