Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided aid packages containing essential food and hygiene supplies to 1,700 families in the areas most severely affected by the floods in Colombia.
As the climate crisis continues to pose a growing threat to Latin American countries, extreme rainfall in Colombia has further intensified the need for emergency assistance, particularly in remote and vulnerable communities. The devastating floods that struck at the end of 2024 impacted a total of 40,000 families, leading to the government to declare a year-long state of emergency.
Accordingly, TİKA delivered aid packages to ease the impact of the floods in the city of Riohacha, located in the La Guajira administrative region of Colombia, during a ceremony.
The event was attended by Colombian Foreign Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo; Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogotá, Beste Pehlivan Sun; National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) Director, Carlos Alberto Carrillo; Riohacha Mayor, Genaro Redondo Choles; and officials from TİKA’s Colombia Program Coordination Office.
In the first phase of distribution, aid supplies were delivered to 500 families in rural areas of Riohacha, as part of a broader initiative that will ultimately support a total of 8,500 people.
Strategic Cooperation in Bilateral Relations
Speaking at the ceremony, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo extended his greetings to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, stating: “Colombia and Türkiye are experiencing a highly positive period in their bilateral relations. TİKA’s contributions to peace, regional development, and emergency response are further strengthening our strategic partnership. I see great potential to enhance our cooperation through shared agendas, particularly in South-South Cooperation.
Beste Pehlivan Sun, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bogotá, stated: “TİKA’s initiatives contribute to peace and prosperity across different regions of Colombia. Following the flood disaster, we responded swiftly to Foreign Minister Murillo’s request for assistance from the Turkish authorities and prepared these aid packages. Through this humanitarian project, we have once again strengthened the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and Colombia.” Referring to the assistance provided by UNGRD during the earthquake disaster in Türkiye, she added “We will never forget this support.”
TİKA’s Coordinator in Bogotá Merve Zengin stated, “Operating in more than 150 countries, TİKA serves as Türkiye’s helping hand. Our projects aimed at fostering prosperity and peace play a key role in our strategic partnership with Colombia. Flood relief efforts represent not just technical cooperation but also solidarity between nations.”
“Türkiye’s support has elevated our cooperation beyond humanitarian aid, demonstrating that we are stronger together,” said UNGRD Director Carlos Alberto Carrillo, emphasizing that the assistance was directed toward the most vulnerable communities in the La Guajira and Chocó regions.
Local Community Expresses Gratitude
Following the ceremony, 500 aid packages were distributed to the Panterramana, Kamuchasain, and Jayaktama communities in the village of Kamuchasain, home to the Wayuu indigenous people. Foreign Minister Murillo stated, “With Türkiye’s swift response, we have once again witnessed the strength of our bilateral relations. We extend our gratitude to TİKA and Türkiye.”
A Kamuchasain community leader also conveyed his thanks, saying: “Our village is home to an ethnocultural school that plays a crucial role in our children’s education. Addressing our needs was essential, and we are deeply grateful to Türkiye for this support.”
The program concluded with a traditional dance performance by the Wayuu children.