President Abelardo De La Espriella declared national emergency as powerful tremor devastated western Colombia, leaving dozens trapped under rubble and triggering a massive rescue operation
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring another 87, while rescue teams continued searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The earthquake struck just days after Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president, pushing his newly formed administration into its first major national emergency. The disaster also came as memories remained fresh of the devastating twin earthquakes that struck neighbouring Venezuela in June.
Declaring a national state of emergency, De La Espriella said the government had mobilised all available resources to respond to the disaster and assist affected communities.
“The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver aid wherever it is needed,” he said in a national address around midday.
“The first priority is rescuing the people trapped under the rubble.”
The earthquake was recorded at 7.4 magnitude by the US Geological Survey (USGS). It struck at a depth of around 107 kilometres (66 miles) near San Jose del Palmar in Choco province, a sparsely populated region along Colombia’s Pacific coast.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
Share this with someone who needs to see this.