Puerto Rico Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana announced that the Puerto Rico government has begun communication with Colombia's government and activated assistance mechanisms for Puerto Ricans remaining in Colombian territory following an earthquake there. She said officials are in contact with the Colombian Consulate in Puerto Rico to coordinate humanitarian aid logistics, recalling recent solidarity efforts for Venezuelans. Governor Jenniffer González Colón sent a letter this morning to Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella, expressing solidarity with affected families and offering Puerto Rico's collaboration in response and recovery efforts.
The Department of State's Foreign Affairs Secretariat has already handled several cases involving Puerto Ricans in Colombia, mostly requests for guidance on the situation and available resources, with staff following up on each case. Rivera Santana said Puerto Ricans in Colombia needing help can contact the Secretariat via relacionesexteriores@estado.pr.gov, info@estado.pr.gov, or by calling (787) 729-6312. She also urged citizens traveling abroad to enroll in the U.S.
State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).