The earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday morning has left a trail of destruction, with the death toll now exceeding 100. The 7.4-magnitude quake, centered near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department was felt across large parts of the country and in neighboring nations.
The tremor, which occurred at around 7:34 am local time, has caused significant damage to infrastructure and homes. As rescue teams work tirelessly to find survivors, the international community, including the United Nations has pledged support and assistance.
The impact of the earthquake
The earthquake’s epicenter was near San José del Palmar but its effects were felt far and wide. In Pereira a city of around 500,000 people, the mayor reported 18 fatalities. The city, located about 35 miles from the epicenter, has seen extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Cali Colombia’s third-largest city, has also been severely affected. Authorities there have reported multiple landslides and requested reinforcements for rescue operations. The damage has extended to transport infrastructure, with several airports in western Colombia suspending operations for safety inspections.
Evacuation orders were issued as far away as the capital, Bogotá which sits 250 miles east of the epicenter. The government has activated its emergency response mechanisms and continues to assess the damage and needs in affected areas.
International response and support
The United Nations has expressed solidarity with the affected communities and is ready to assist pending a government request. The World Food Programme (WFP) has the capacity to provide humanitarian assistance, while the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is in close contact with national authorities.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is monitoring the situation and stands ready to support the response, including providing assistance to those displaced. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned about increased risks of gender-based violence and difficulties accessing health services in such emergencies.
The UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) is also assessing the impact and stands ready to assist in coordination with authorities and partners. The UN system in Colombia will remain in contact with national institutions as the full scale of humanitarian needs becomes clearer.
Rescue efforts and ongoing challenges
Rescue teams are working around the clock to find survivors trapped under the rubble. The immediate priority, as stated by Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella is to rescue those who remain trapped. However, limited connectivity in some rural areas is making it difficult to assess the full impact of the disaster.
Initial reports indicate that 1,575 homes have been damaged, 37 destroyed, and 61 buildings collapsed. Damage has also been reported at 18 health centers and 52 educational facilities. The scale of the damage is not yet clear, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The earthquake struck just three days after the inauguration of President de la Espriella, who has declared a national state of emergency. The government is working to protect lives, assist affected communities, and deliver aid wherever it is needed.
