Media Statement
04 April 2017
President Zuma sends condolences to Peru and Colombia following flooding and landslides
President Jacob Zuma has, on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, extended the country’s deepest condolences to Peru and Colombia following flooding and landslides in parts of the Lima Region, Peru, on 14 March 2017 and the South-western city of Mocoa, Colombia, on Saturday, 01 April 2017.
The landslides left more than 60 people dead and over 12, 000 homeless in Peru. In Colombia, the death toll is estimated at 262 people (including 43 children) and more than 400 were injured (including 167 children), and others are missing. Many of the citizens have had their homes and valuable belongings washed away or destroyed by floods.
President Zuma said: “I wish to send condolences to H.E President Pedro Kuczynski and H.E President Juan Santos, the governments and the people of Peru and Colombia. The people of South Africa share the pain and loss of the loved ones, and our thoughts go to all the affected families. It is a painful and difficult situation to lose one’s life possessions in such an abrupt manner. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Colombia’s deadliest landslide in 1985 killed more than 20 000 people.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
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