Authorities have declared a national disaster as rescue teams assess damage and urgent relief needs….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The death toll from a magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has risen to 132, while more than 570 people have been injured, according to the Colombian government’s latest update.
The earthquake caused widespread damage across affected areas, with 1,575 homes reported damaged, while infrastructure at six airports was also affected. Commercial flight operations at the airports have been suspended, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said in Bogota.
The government has declared a state of national disaster to facilitate its response to the impact of the powerful earthquake and coordinate relief and rescue operations.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, the earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday. Its epicentre was located near San Jose del Palmar in the department of Choco, at a depth of 96 km.
Authorities have been assessing the scale of the destruction and identifying areas requiring immediate assistance as rescue and relief operations continue.
The government said it is maintaining close contact with the capitals of affected departments and communicating with local mayors and their teams to monitor developments, assess damage and identify the most urgent relief needs.
The earthquake also affected neighbouring Ecuador, according to officials.
Messages of solidarity and support have poured in from leaders around the world as Colombia deals with the aftermath of the disaster.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones and solidarity with the injured, affected communities and rescue workers.
“In the face of the terrible earthquake that has struck Colombia, I extend, on behalf of France, my most sincere thoughts to the Colombian people. I think of the victims, their families, the injured, and all those who have been affected by this disaster. Our solidarity also goes to the rescue teams and all those who are working, with courage, to assist the affected populations. In this ordeal, Colombia can count on our friendship and our support,” Macron wrote on X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed solidarity with Colombia and called for international support for people affected by the earthquake.
“Terrible news about the earthquake in western Colombia, which also affected neighbouring Ecuador. As of now, at least 25 people have been reported dead, and there are people trapped under the rubble. Our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to everyone affected. Any loss of life is tragic. We stand in full support and solidarity with the people of Colombia and everyone who has been affected by this disaster. We call on everyone around the world who can support the affected people and countries right now to step up and help,” Zelensky stated on X.
Zelensky’s statement cited an earlier death toll of at least 25, before the Colombian government issued its latest update raising the number to 132.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely following developments following the earthquake and expressed solidarity with the Colombian people, affected families and rescue personnel.
“In these difficult hours, Italy stands in solidarity with the Colombian people, the affected families, and all those engaged in rescue and assistance operations,” she stated on X.
The Colombian authorities are continuing to coordinate emergency operations as assessments of damage and humanitarian needs proceed across the affected departments.
The scale of the damage to homes and infrastructure has added to the challenges facing emergency teams, while the suspension of commercial flights at six airports is expected to affect connectivity in areas impacted by the earthquake.
