Colombia quake: UN offers aid as death toll crosses 100
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has killed at least 111 people. The UN has offered assistance as the government declares an emergency.
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people and trapping residents under collapsed buildings. The epicentre was reported near San Jose Del Palmar, with tremors felt as far away as Bogotá and across the region from Panama to Ecuador and Venezuela.
The United Nations said it is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, confirmed that the UN has received reports of structural damage, including collapsed houses in several towns. Connectivity in rural areas has become limited, hampering efforts to assess the full scale of the disaster.
Local officials have confirmed significant damage in regions such as Risaralda and Valle del Cauca, with injuries reported across the country. Authorities have warned of potential aftershocks.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency to expedite funding for recovery efforts. He has also announced plans to visit the disaster zone. The government is leading evacuation and damage assessment operations, while international aid offers have begun to pour in.