Colombian leader’s gesture in quake zone draws criticism as residents plead for essentials

In a city still reeling from a devastating

In a city still reeling from a devastating earthquake, Colombia’s president has sparked anger by distributing footballs to locals who say they are desperate for food, water, and shelter.

During a visit to the affected area on Tuesday, President Gustavo Petro handed out the sports equipment to a group of residents, a gesture his office described as a morale boost for communities enduring the aftermath of last week’s 6.1-magnitude tremor.

But many on the ground saw it differently. Local shopkeeper Marta Villanueva, whose home was damaged in the quake, called the move “out of touch.” She said, “We are sleeping in the open, our children have no milk, and he gives us a ball? It feels like a mockery of our suffering.”

Social media quickly amplified the criticism, with hasht…

Social media quickly amplified the criticism, with hashtags like #PetroNoAyuda trending nationally. Opposition figures accused the president of prioritizing photo opportunities over substantive relief efforts, while some of his own supporters urged him to refocus on the logistics of aid delivery.

The government defended the initiative, stating that the footballs were part of a broader package that included temporary housing kits and medical supplies. Officials noted that several truckloads of food and water had already reached the region, but acknowledged that distribution has been hampered by damaged roads and ongoing aftershocks.

Residents, however, remain skeptical. Community leader Ricardo Meza said that in his neighborhood, no government official has returned since the first day, and the promised aid has yet to arrive. “We don’t need games; we need roofs,” he told local radio.

The quake, which struck near the Pacific coast

The quake, which struck near the Pacific coast, has left at least 14 people dead and destroyed hundreds of homes. Relief agencies warn that the next 72 hours are critical for preventing a secondary health crisis in the affected zones.

As international teams join the rescue effort, the president’s visit has done little to quell the frustration. Many now question whether the government’s focus is on the ground realities or on political optics—a debate that seems likely to linger long after the last ball is kicked.