Chinese humanitarian earthquake relief supplies arrive in Colombia

Emergency humanitarian earthquake relief supplies provided by the Chinese government to Colombia have arrived at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, capital of Colombia.

Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Zhu Jingyang and representatives from the Colombian side, including the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local government officials, held a ceremony at the airport to mark the arrival of aid supplies.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese side at the ceremony, Zhu noted that teams from both sides overcame difficulties, and collaborated closely to ensure the smooth arrival of the supplies, fully demonstrating the deep public support and solid foundation underpinning the friendship between the two countries, while also highlighting the mutually beneficial and supportive nature of their relationship.

In a video address, David Santiago Tamayo, director-general of Colombia's UNGRD, said the newly arrived batch of supplies reflects the support provided by the Chinese government and people to Colombia during a difficult time. He said the Colombian side will coordinate with local governments and relief agencies to ensure the proper distribution of the supplies.

According to reports, the batch, totaling approximately 80 tonnes, includes power generators, mobile water purification vehicles, disinfection machines, solar-powered lighting equipment, tents and blankets.

The death toll from the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10 has risen to 312, with 4,611 people injured and 290 missing, the country's disaster management agency said on Tuesday.