The US has announced $15.5 million in emergency aid for Colombia after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake killed 132 people and injured 570 others
The United States has announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance to Colombia after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake claimed at least 132 lives and injured 570 people. The quake devastated the country’s coffee-growing region and Pacific coast, damaging more than 1,500 buildings and leaving an unknown number of people trapped beneath the rubble as rescue teams continue searching for survivors.
The US State Department announced the aid package three days after US-backed President Abelardo de la Espriella took office in Colombia.
“We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President Abelardo de la Espriella,” the State Department said in a post on X.
President Abelardo de la Esperiella, who was sworn into office three days ago, declared a state of emergency and pledged that Colombia would “move forward together”.
Powerful tremors trigger panic
The earthquake struck shortly after 7:30 am (1230 GMT), sending frightened residents into the streets across affected areas.
Julian Pena, a dentist in Quibdo, said the shaking was “very, very strong” when he experienced the quake at home.
“People were praying in the street. It was overwhelming,” he told AFP. “I ran outside carrying nothing and found hundreds of people there.”
“There are many buildings with gaps, with cracks. There are others that have completely collapsed.”
Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue workers continued searching through damaged and collapsed buildings.
Rescue teams search for survivors
In Cali, resident Andres Felipe Mejia joined volunteers helping with rescue efforts near a pancaked multistorey building.
“They pulled out a man and a baby, but the wife is still in there,” he said.
“We are trying to get everyone out alive. A lot of people have come, with supplies, with food, helping the firefighters, helping the people,” he added.
Rescue operations were under way across several cities as authorities searched for people trapped beneath the rubble.
Buildings damaged across Colombia
In Manizales, an AFP journalist reported seeing widespread damage, including the crumpled tower of the city’s neo-Gothic cathedral.
Administrative worker Jaime Zuluaga, 50, said “a great many buildings” in the city had been damaged.
“Traffic is paralyzed and people don’t want to go back to their homes for fear of an aftershock.”
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