Colombia declares state of emergency as death toll from catastrophic earthquake rises

Bogotá – Agencies: The death toll from the earthquake that struck Colombia has risen to at least 169 people, with more than 600 injured, according to the National Association of Municipalities of Colombia.

Most of the fatalities were recorded in the cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó in western Colombia, while approximately 165 buildings collapsed due to the 7.4-magnitude quake.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 100 kilometers in the municipality of San José del Palmar, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 people in the Risaralda region.

Mayor Mauricio Salazar told Caracol Radio that “the situation is critical.”

Meanwhile, rescue workers and volunteers in Colombia continue clearing rubble in a race against time to find survivors of the strongest earthquake to hit the country in the past decade.

According to the Asocapitales organization, operations at seven airports were halted due to earthquake-related damage.

The Colombian Geological Survey reported that more than 47 aftershocks have been recorded so far.

For his part, Colombian President Abilio de la Esperia, who assumed office just three days ago, declared a state of emergency and pledged to lead a coordinated rescue operation.

Speaking from Bogotá, the president said, “The national government continues to mobilize all its resources to protect lives, assist affected communities, and deliver aid to every area in need.”

He noted that reports indicate 188 people are missing in Cali alone.

Due to the severity of the earthquake, messages of solidarity have poured in from around the world.

Several Latin American countries, along with Spain, France, and the United Nations, have expressed their support for Colombia following the disaster. The European Union also announced the activation of the Copernicus satellite service to assist in rescue operations.

The United States has offered $15.5 million in aid to help manage the emergency.