Presidential Statement – Devastating Earthquake in Colombia

On behalf of the World Federation of Intensive and Critical Care (WFICC) and the global critical care community, I express our deepest sorrow and solidarity with the people of Colombia following the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the department of Chocó and severely impacted communities across western Colombia, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó. Our hearts goes out to the families who have lost loved ones, those searching for missing family members, and the hundreds who have been injured in this disaster.

As intensive care doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals worldwide, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Colombian colleagues and all the critical care teams, emergency personnel, first responders, and medical personnel who are working selflessly under extraordinary pressure to save lives amidst structural damage and overwhelmed facilities. The WFICC reaffirms its commitment to supporting our critical care societies in Latin America and stands ready to assist the Colombian Association of Critical Care and Intensive Care (AMCI) and local health authorities with technical expertise, resource mobilization, and international coordination during this crisis.

I have maintained close communication with the leadership of the Asociación Colombiana de Medicina Crítica y Cuidado Intensivo, Dr. Manuel Andrés Garay-Fernández (President) and Dr. Victor Hugo Nieto Estrada (Vice President) who are keeping us updated. For communications with them, please refer to presidente@amci.org.co

We offer our heartfelt condolences and unwavering solidarity to all affected by this tragedy.

Javier Perez Fernandez, President

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