A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 132 people dead and around 570 injured, according to CNN, citing the Colombian Association of Capital Cities.
The scale of destruction has prompted a major emergency response across the country, with several cities placed under red alert and rescue teams working to assess damaged buildings and reach affected communities.
Pereira Among Worst-Hit Cities
The city of Pereira has emerged as one of the worst-affected areas, with authorities reporting 60 deaths there alone. The city, home to roughly 500,000 people, is located less than 64 kilometres from the earthquake’s epicentre, according to The New York Times.
The Colombian Association of Capital Cities said five capital cities were under red alert following the disaster. At least 86 buildings collapsed, while operations at seven airports were suspended as authorities dealt with the impact of the earthquake.
The tremors were felt across large parts of Colombia, including Bogota, where earthquake alarms went off and residents in several buildings rushed outside as a precaution.
More Than 1,500 Buildings Reportedly Damaged
The destruction has extended well beyond collapsed structures. President Abelardo de la Espriella said 1,577 residential buildings had suffered damage, while 37 were completely destroyed. More than 60 buildings had collapsed, while 18 health centres and 52 schools were also reported damaged, according to The New York Times.
The western-central department of Risaralda has been identified as the worst-hit region. Governor Juan Diego Patino told BluRadio that emergency teams were assessing the extent of the devastation.
In the Choco region, Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba Curi said the regional capital Quibdo had reported injuries and serious damage to buildings. Authorities are also monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks.
Colombia Launches Emergency Response
President de la Espriella convened an emergency committee following the earthquake and assured affected communities that the government would take all necessary steps to assist them.
He also said he would personally oversee the national response as rescue and relief operations continued.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at around 7:34 am local time. Its epicentre was located near San Jose del Palmar in Colombia’s Choco region, approximately 280 kilometres west of Bogota, at a depth of about 107 kilometres.
Bogota Sends Rescue Teams And Collects Aid
Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan announced that the capital had established six donation collection points to gather essential supplies for earthquake-hit communities.
Authorities are seeking drinking water, blankets, mattresses, non-perishable food, hygiene products and first-aid supplies.
Galan also said 100 rescuers from Bogota were being prepared to travel to the worst-affected areas to assist with search-and-rescue operations.
With the death toll and damage assessment still developing, emergency agencies remain on alert as rescue teams continue their operations across the affected regions.
