Bishop of Assos on Colombia earthquake: Greek Orthodox Church is by our side

The situation in Colombia remains critical following the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake, with Bishop Timotheos of Assos, Regional Vicar for Bogotá and Colombia of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Mexico, describing the fear and uncertainty gripping the country.

Speaking to ERTnews’ Update program , Bishop Timotheos said that, according to the information currently available to him, no members of the Greek community have been injured and no damage has been reported to Greek-owned properties.

The broader situation, however, remains extremely difficult. More than 5,000 buildings have reportedly been destroyed, while the full extent of the devastation remains unclear because communications with remote mountainous areas and villages have yet to be restored.

According to Bishop Timotheos, the death toll is approaching 200, while around 1,200 people have been injured. Dozens of aftershocks have further heightened anxiety among residents.

“It is a terrible fear that we are experiencing,” he said, explaining that he had slept for only two hours because he remained in constant contact with the affected areas. Even in Bogotá, approximately 400 kilometers from the epicenter,…