By Kang Gahui and Sohn JiAe

Korea has extended USD 300,000 worth of humanitarian aid, around KRW 340 million, to Colombia after it was recently hit by a flood and landslide that left hundreds of people dead.

On April 1, Mocoa, the capital city of Putumayo Department in southwestern Colombia, was inundated with torrential downpours that reached 130 millimeters per hour and caused a massive landslide. The disaster claimed 286 lives and left 200 injured, 80 unaccounted for and 558 homeless.

The Korean government's decision was made on April 6 as the government tried to help Colombian get back to normal and to repair some of the damage.

In a press release the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “As a nation that fought for South Korea during the Korean War (1950-53), Colombia has been with us through difficulties over the years. In this regard, the decision to help will further strengthen our long friendship.”

Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn sent a letter on April 4 to his Colombian counterpart, President Juan Manuel Santos, in which he expressed his condolences and words of comfort to the flood victims and their families.

kgh89@korea.kr