Following a major magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday, the number of fatalities has surpassed 100. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella reported that the initial count confirms 111 deaths and 87 injuries. The seismic event occurred on Monday morning at 7:34 local time in the western region of the country.
The consequences of the disaster are widespread. President de la Espriella announced that 1,575 homes have sustained damage, while 61 buildings have completely collapsed. The metropolitan area of Pereira has been particularly hard hit, accounting for many of the reported casualties. Significant damage was also observed in the city of Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed that at least 30 structures collapsed, noting that individuals may currently be trapped under the rubble.
Infrastructure was severely affected, leading to the suspension of operations at several airports, including those in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, due to earthquake damage.
In response to the crisis, President de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency. He stated that he would personally oversee the unfolding situation, promising to release regular updates on the crisis and coordinate international assistance efforts.
