WILLEMSTAD – One Curaçao resident has died and three others were injured in the powerful earthquake that struck parts of Colombia on Monday, August 10, the Curaçao government confirmed.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas received confirmation of the death around midday on Tuesday. The government said it delayed publicly releasing information about the victims out of respect for the family and to allow communication to take place in consultation with relatives.
The identities of the deceased resident and the three injured Curaçaoans have not been released.
Following confirmation of the death, the government immediately began procedures to assist the victim’s family.
The director of Curaçao’s Risk Management Directorate has been tasked with coordinating the government’s response, while contact has been established with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bogotá.
A representative of the victim’s family has also been placed in direct contact with a consular official at the embassy to receive assistance during the process.
Government Working to Bring Victim Home
The Curaçao government is currently awaiting authorization from Colombian authorities before proceeding with the necessary arrangements to repatriate the remains of the deceased resident.
According to the government, the process will be carried out in close consultation and coordination with the family.
The confirmation follows days of concern over Curaçao residents who were in Colombia when the earthquake struck.
The Curaçao government had already urged residents in Colombia to register with the Dutch embassy to make it easier for diplomatic authorities to locate and assist them during the emergency.
The government expressed its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who died.
It also wished the three injured Curaçao residents a speedy and complete recovery.