Reports have emerged that 132 people have been killed so far in the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia.
Powerful earthquake
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck around 7:30 a.m. yesterday in cities in western Colombia.
The earthquake originated in the San José del Palmar area in the Chocó region, located about 400 km west of the capital, Bogotá.
With the earthquake occurring at a depth of about 107 km beneath the earth, the western Colombian cities of Pereira, Quibdó, Cali, and Manizales have suffered extensive damage.
Reports have emerged that in this earthquake, hundreds of buildings collapsed across the country, 132 people were killed, and more than 570 were injured.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who had just taken office three days ago, has declared a state of emergency due to the earthquake. He also said that the government has intensified coordinated rescue operations in the affected areas.
In neighboring Venezuela, where powerful twin earthquakes struck recently, more than 6,300 people were killed. This disaster in Colombia has occurred within two months of that event.
Powerful earthquakes are rare in Colombia. The last notable one was the 1999 earthquake near the city of Armenia, which killed more than 1,100 people.
International assistance
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “The United States is closely monitoring the situation in Colombia. We are ready to support the people of Colombia.”
In addition, the United States has announced emergency relief aid of $15.5 million for Colombia (roughly Rs. 150 crore in Indian currency).
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen has authorized the use of the Copernicus satellite service to assist rescue operations.
Countries such as Israel, Mexico, Ecuador, and France have also offered assistance to Colombia.