August 11, Kathmandu.
At least 132 people have died and 570 have been injured when a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the South American country of Colombia on Monday morning.
According to international media, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities released the number of dead and injured after a disaster management meeting chaired by the President. According to the association, 60 people died in Pereira, the city most affected by the earthquake.
A ‘red alert’ has been declared in five major cities of the country after the earthquake. So far, 86 buildings have been confirmed to be completely destroyed, and operations at seven airports have been temporarily suspended. The city of Pereira, with a population of about half a million, is said to be located less than 64 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake.
Earthquake tremors were felt in various cities across the country, including the capital Bogota. In Bogota, after sirens and warning systems were activated, many people evacuated from buildings to safe places.
President Abelardo de la Espriella informed that 1,577 residential buildings have been damaged and 37 buildings have been completely destroyed so far. According to him, more than 60 buildings have collapsed, and 18 health institutions and 52 schools have also suffered damage.
The Risaralda department in west-central Colombia has emerged as the most affected area. Risaralda Governor Juan Diego Patino stated that rescue and relief operations have been intensified.
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President de la Espriella has formed an emergency committee and pledged that the government will take all necessary steps for the safety of affected citizens. He stated that he would personally lead the rescue and rehabilitation efforts to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred near San Jose del Palmar in the Chocó region at 7:34 AM local time. Its epicenter was reported to be about 280 kilometers west of the capital Bogota, with a depth of 107 kilometers.
Nubia Carolina Córdoba Curí, Governor of the Chocó region, stated that many people were injured and buildings suffered severe damage in the regional capital Quibdó. She also expressed concern about the possibility of aftershocks.
Meanwhile, Bogota Mayor Carlos F. Galán announced that a relief collection campaign has been launched for the affected areas. According to him, six relief collection centers have been established in the capital to collect drinking water, blankets, food, hygiene materials, and first-aid supplies.
Mayor Galán stated that no serious damage has been observed in Bogota so far, and preparations are underway to send 100 rescue workers to the affected areas to assist in rescue and search operations. ANI
For More: Colombia Earthquake Death Toll
