Benfica has expressed solidarity with the people of Colombia after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country's Choco department on Monday, killing at least 111 people.
The Portuguese club said on its website that Sport Lisboa e Benfica expressed its solidarity and condolences to the entire Colombian people, and in particular to the families who lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake that struck the country on Monday, August 10.
Death toll and damage
Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, said that by 12:30 local time, 18:30 in Lisbon, authorities had counted 111 dead, 87 injured, 1,575 homes affected, 37 completely destroyed, 61 buildings left in ruins, 18 health centers damaged and 52 educational centers damaged.
Benfica added that, at this moment of enormous challenge and pain, the club hoped that all efforts to recover alive everyone trapped under the rubble would be successful.
Residents trapped and evacuations
The earthquake left residents of several cities trapped under rubble, causing further injuries and forcing people to evacuate their homes. Its effects reached as far as the capital, Bogota.
Colombian players offer support
Through footballers Richard Rios and Jhon Duran, both Colombian internationals, Benfica and its foundation said they were available to help in whatever way was needed.
