Over 100 killed after strongest quake this century hits western Colombia
BOGOTA: More than 100 people were killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, toppling buildings, damaging hospitals and infrastructure and trapping people beneath the rubble in the country’s strongest earthquake this century.
Over 100 people were tragically killed when the strongest earthquake in Colombia during the 21st century struck western regions on Monday, toppling buildings and damaging crucial infrastructure. President Abelardo De La Espriella faced his first major crisis as he declared a national state of emergency and promised immediate support for the affected communities.
The 7.4-magnitude quake, which occurred at a depth of 107 kilometers, prompted the deployment of all national resources to rescue trapped individuals and deliver aid. De La Espriella vowed to provide rent subsidies for those who lost their homes and visited several cities, including Quibdo and Cali, to assess the damage. As rescue workers frantically searched for survivors beneath the rubble, curfews were imposed in Cali, Armenia, and Manizales due to fears of looting.
The city of Cali postponed its annual Petronio Alvarez festival, while rescue teams, including firefighters and volunteers, worked tirelessly to free trapped individuals. The US Geological Survey confirmed the severity of the earthquake, emphasizing the need for increased security personnel in the affected areas.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
