The United Arab Emirates has delivered a new shipment of humanitarian assistance to Colombia as part of a $10 million relief package launched after a powerful earthquake struck the South American nation last month.
The emergency supplies arrived on Sunday and are intended to support communities still recovering from the devastating disaster. The aid package includes food supplies, hygiene kits and cleaning equipment aimed at helping affected families meet their immediate needs.
The humanitarian effort follows a directive from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who announced the $10 million support package after the earthquake caused widespread destruction across western Colombia.
The 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the town of San Jose del Palmar in Choco province on August 10. The tremor was felt across large parts of the country and caused extensive damage to homes, public buildings and infrastructure.
Authorities reported that more than 300 people lost their lives in the disaster, while thousands of others were injured. The scale of the destruction forced Colombian officials to declare a state of emergency and launch a major national response.
Emergency crews, aid organizations and government agencies have continued recovery operations in the weeks since the earthquake. Thousands of families remain in need of assistance as reconstruction efforts move forward.
The UAE’s latest aid shipment is designed to help address some of the most urgent humanitarian needs in the affected areas. Food supplies will support families facing shortages, while hygiene and cleaning materials are expected to assist communities dealing with damaged infrastructure and disrupted services.
Officials said the assistance forms part of the UAE’s broader commitment to providing humanitarian support during natural disasters and crises around the world.
The relief package was announced shortly after the earthquake by President Sheikh Mohamed, who expressed solidarity with Colombia during the difficult period.
Last month, Sheikh Mohamed also held a telephone conversation with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. During the call, he offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The UAE President expressed sympathy for the victims and reaffirmed the country’s support for the Colombian government and people as they worked to overcome the effects of the disaster.
President de la Espriella thanked Sheikh Mohamed for the assistance and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s rapid humanitarian response.
The earthquake ranks among the strongest to hit Colombia in recent years. Many residential areas suffered significant damage, leaving thousands of people displaced and creating a need for emergency shelter, medical support and basic supplies.
Recovery efforts remain ongoing across several affected regions. Authorities continue to assess damage while coordinating reconstruction projects and humanitarian assistance programs.
The UAE has frequently provided support to countries affected by natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies and conflicts. Its aid programs have reached communities across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas through direct assistance, emergency relief operations and development initiatives.
Humanitarian organizations note that international assistance can play an important role during the early stages of disaster recovery, especially when local resources are under pressure.
The arrival of the latest shipment is expected to help strengthen relief efforts in some of the hardest-hit areas of Colombia. Officials said supplies will be distributed to communities most affected by the earthquake and its aftermath.
As rebuilding efforts continue, the UAE Colombia earthquake aid package represents part of a wider international response aimed at helping affected families recover and restore normal life following one of the country’s most destructive natural disasters in recent years.
The assistance underscores the ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Colombia and reflects continued support for communities facing hardship after the deadly earthquake.
