Colombia declares national disaster after devastating earthquake

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the west of the country. The emergency meeting at disaster management agency UNGRD saw the president, his ministers, and key officials travel to Pereira, one of the worst affected cities, to coordinate the government's response.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara will lead rescue operations in the coffee region, while the health and defense ministers will head to the Choco and Transport Minister Elsa Noguera will coordinate efforts in Valle del Cauca from Cali.

The quake has caused widespread devastation, with more than 110 people killed and dozens injured. Over 1,500 homes were destroyed and 37 collapsed. Sixty-one buildings fell down, while 18 healthcare centers, 52 schools, and 17 community centers suffered damage. The Pereira airport's roof also caved in, and five other airports in western Colombia reported damages.

Local and regional media reported dozens of collapsed buildings in Valle del Cauca, the coffee region, and Choco. Road travel has become complicated due to fallen trees, and the government has yet to report on any missing persons. Vice-President Jose Manuel Restrepo stressed the importance of protecting lives, rescuing trapped individuals, treating the injured, and providing aid to the hardest-hit communities. He also emphasized that together, they would overcome the emergency.

The Colombian Geological Service stated that the earthquake was the strongest in Colombia during the past decade and the strongest in the west of the country since 1979.