Colombian President Distributes Footballs While Residents Await Aid After Earthquake

President Gustavo Petro was photographed distributing footballs in the earthquake‑hit city of Santa Marta on Thursday, sparking widespread criticism from residents who say they are still waiting for essential relief supplies. The 7.8‑magnitude quake that struck the Caribbean coast on April 27 left dozens dead, hundreds injured, and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed. Local officials and aid agencies have repeatedly urged the national government to accelerate the delivery of food, water, medical care and temporary shelter to the affected population.

During a brief ceremony at a community center, Petro handed out a handful of footballs to a small group of children and adults, citing a “community outreach program” aimed at boosting morale. Residents and local leaders, however, condemned the gesture as a distraction from the urgent humanitarian needs. “We are still waiting for basic supplies,” said a spokesperson for the Santa Marta mayor’s office, adding that the distribution of sports equipment was “inappropriate and insensitive” given the ongoing crisis.

The incident has intensified calls for a coordinated national response. Humanitarian organizations have urged the government to prioritize the deployment of emergency aid teams and to ensure that relief supplies reach the most vulnerable neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the president’s office has defended the football distribution as part of a broader effort to support community resilience, though it has not yet provided a detailed plan for addressing the immediate needs highlighted by residents.