The Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that all registered Malaysians in Colombia have been accounted for and are safe in the aftermath of a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the South American nation. The confirmation came through an official statement released from Wisma Putra, signalling that Malaysia's diplomatic network in the region has successfully established the wellbeing of its nationals during this natural disaster.
The seismic event occurred at approximately 7.34 am local time on Monday, with its epicentre positioned near San José del Palmar, a town situated in the Department of Chocó in Colombia's western zone. The location of the quake in this region meant that considerable areas experienced significant tremors, extending far beyond the immediate epicentre and affecting major population centres throughout the country.
Reports indicate that the earthquake's impact was felt across extensive portions of Colombia, with particularly strong tremors recorded in the central regions including the major cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Armenia. The capital city of Bogotá also experienced the quakes' force, though at a somewhat reduced intensity due to its distance from the epicentre. Across these affected areas, substantial destruction to residential buildings, commercial infrastructure, and essential services has been documented, though Colombian authorities were still in the process of conducting comprehensive damage assessments at the time of the Foreign Ministry's statement.
The Malaysia Embassy in Lima, Peru, which maintains concurrent accreditation to Colombia, has assumed a central role in monitoring developments and maintaining coordination with Colombian government agencies and emergency response services. This diplomatic presence has proven crucial in establishing contact with registered Malaysians and ensuring their immediate safety status could be conveyed to Kuala Lumpur. The embassy's continued engagement with local authorities indicates that Malaysia's diplomatic infrastructure in the region remains actively involved in supporting its nationals during crises.
As is customary during major disasters, the exact toll of casualties and the comprehensive scope of physical damage had not yet been fully determined at the moment the Foreign Ministry released its statement. Colombian emergency services and government bodies were actively engaged in search and rescue operations, damage assessment, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations. The preliminary nature of casualty figures and damage reports reflected the inherent challenges in rapidly evaluating the full consequences of such powerful seismic events across vast geographic areas.
Malaysia's Foreign Ministry extended formal condolences to the Colombian government and its citizens, particularly acknowledging those who had suffered direct losses and displacement as a result of this natural calamity. This diplomatic expression of sympathy, while standard protocol, underscored Malaysia's commitment to regional solidarity and humanitarian values during periods of international crisis.
The Foreign Ministry issued specific safety guidance to Malaysian nationals already residing in Colombia or those travelling to the country, particularly those in zones directly affected by the earthquake. Authorities advised all Malaysians to exercise heightened caution, remain alert to official warnings, and strictly adhere to all instructions issued by Colombian emergency services and government authorities. This guidance reflected standard practice following major earthquakes, where aftershocks and structural instability continue to pose risks to populations in affected zones.
Wisma Putra particularly emphasised the importance of Malaysians who have not yet formally registered their presence in Colombia to complete their registration immediately through the e-Konsular online system. Registration enables the Foreign Ministry to maintain accurate records of nationals abroad and ensures they can be quickly located and assisted in emergencies. This registration process serves as a critical tool for consular protection, allowing diplomatic missions to establish rapid contact with citizens during crises and provide necessary support and information.
For Malaysians requiring urgent consular assistance or possessing information about fellow nationals who may have been affected by the earthquake, the Foreign Ministry provided multiple channels of contact through the Malaysian Embassy in Lima. The embassy established availability through three telephone and WhatsApp numbers, alongside two email addresses, ensuring that concerned Malaysians or their family members could reach diplomatic staff through their preferred communication method. These contact points operate as direct lines to consular officers trained in emergency response and capable of providing immediate assistance or information.
The Foreign Ministry pledged to maintain continuous monitoring of the situation in Colombia as information evolved and assessments progressed. Officials indicated that further updates would be released as the situation developed and as additional information concerning registered Malaysians and the broader humanitarian situation in Colombia became available. This commitment to ongoing communication reflected the Foreign Ministry's responsibility to keep Malaysian citizens and their families informed during international emergencies and natural disasters.
