Pia Bozyel – TURKISH JOURNAL – The United Nations (UN) said it was closely monitoring developments following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia in coordination with national authorities and was ready to provide assistance if needed.
The UN said it was continuing assessment efforts in the region following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia and was prepared to support the country’s emergency response efforts.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a press briefing in New York that UN teams were coordinating with Colombia’s national authorities and the country’s disaster risk management agency.
“We stand with everyone affected by this earthquake and are ready to provide assistance if needed,” Haq said.
UN Resident Coordinator in Colombia Maria Jose Torres Macho said UN teams were conducting assessments in areas affected by the earthquake and were preparing an emergency response meeting with the government.
The meeting is expected to identify needs in the affected areas and assess what assistance the UN can mobilize.
UN agencies ready to support response
UN agencies also expressed solidarity with communities affected by the earthquake and said they were ready to support response efforts.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said it had the capacity to provide humanitarian assistance in support of the government and national emergency authorities.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said it was in close contact with national authorities.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it was monitoring developments and was ready to support response efforts, including assistance to people displaced by the earthquake.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned that women, girls and adolescents may face increased risks during disasters, including gender-based violence and difficulties accessing health services.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said it was assessing the impact of the earthquake and was coordinating with authorities and partners to provide assistance if needed.
The UN team in Colombia said it would continue coordinating with national institutions as the scale of humanitarian needs in the affected areas becomes clearer.
