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King and Queen 'dreadfully saddened' by deadly Colombia earthquake

At least 181 people have died and around 2,595 were injured, while at least 195 remained missing

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"To the people of Colombia, my wife and I were so dreadfully saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that has struck your country"
"To the people of Colombia, my wife and I were so dreadfully saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that has struck your country". Picture: Getty

By Alice Padgett

The King has said he and the Queen were “dreadfully saddened” by the deadly earthquake in Colombia.

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In a message posted on social media, Charles said he and Camilla “greatly admire” the “resilience and strength” of the Colombian people after the 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck towns and cities in the west of the country on Monday.

The South American country’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, said at least 181 people had died and around 2,595 were injured, while at least 195 remained missing.

He said 1,136 homes were destroyed, with many more damaged.

The King wrote: “To the people of Colombia, my wife and I were so dreadfully saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake that has struck your country, and the tragic loss of life and suffering it has caused.

Read More: More than 130 dead after powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocks Colombia

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People handle rubble at the site of a damaged building following an earthquake
People handle rubble at the site of a damaged building following an earthquake. Picture: Reuters

“At this most difficult of times, our special thoughts are with the bereaved and injured, those awaiting news of family and friends and the emergency responders working tirelessly to support those in need.

“We greatly admire the resilience and strength of the Colombian people, and we send our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences during this most challenging and distressing period.

People handle rubble at the site of a damaged building in Cali, Colombia
People handle rubble at the site of a damaged building in Cali, Colombia. Picture: Reuters

“Charles R.”

Crews continued to search through the rubble on Tuesday in the hope of finding more survivors.