De la Espriella gives the first earthquake toll and entrusts Colombia to Jesus Christ

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has announced preliminary figures of 111 fatalities and 87 injuries after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit various regions of the country. During a press conference chaired at the National Disaster Risk Management Unit, the president emphasized his trust in Jesus Christ, stating, "I entrust our country to the Lord Jesus Christ."

The earthquake has resulted in the damage or destruction of 1,575 homes, 37 buildings, 61 structures, 18 health centers, 52 schools, and 17 community centers. Additionally, 18 roads and 6 airports have been affected, with rescue efforts being the top priority. The government has declared a national disaster situation, and President Espriella plans to lead the response personally, providing updates every two to three hours.

He will join the health and defense ministers in Quibdó, while the Interior Minister heads to the coffee-growing region and the Transport Minister to Valle del Cauca. Command posts have been established in Bogotá, Armenia, and Quibdó. The foreign ministry will coordinate international cooperation, with the president assuring that the country's allies have offered assistance.

He urged Colombians to unite for the victims, stating that they will recover with the help of God, the government, and the international community.