Colombia Rocked by Deadly 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake
Widespread destruction reported in western provinces as international aid efforts mobilise following yesterday's powerful tremor.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia yesterday morning, killing at least 200 people.
The western province of Risaralda recorded the highest number of casualties; Pereira's fire department confirmed 79 fatalities in the city.
Four children died in Calima after a section of the Gimnasio Calima school collapsed; Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas confirmed five people were killed in Manizales.
Thirteen people also died in Choco province. President De La Espriella announced rental subsidies for those whose homes sustained damage.
Six regional airports closed, suspending flights at facilities in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura.
Offers of help arrived from Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela; the EU provides funding and satellite support for rescue operations.
Our intention is to cooperate in any way necessary. Here, there are no distinctions or ideological divisions when it comes to defending our people or showing solidarity.
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed solidarity with Colombia. The Donald Trump administration announced a donation of $15.5m.
Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, reported 164 Spaniards remained missing. The UK Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia.