Colombia quake death toll rises to 188
Bogota, Aug 12
The death toll from Monday's 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has risen to 188, with 1,677 others injured, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, or Asocapitales, said.
Of the total, the latest tally included 95 deaths and 997 injuries reported in the city of Cali, while Pereira reported 79 deaths and 278 injuries.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella earlier said that the quake damaged 1,575 homes and infrastructure at six airports, where commercial flight operations have been suspended, reports Xinhua news agency.
The Colombian government earlier Monday declared a state of national disaster to respond to the impact of the earthquake.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, the quake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time in western Colombia. Its epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar, in the department of Choco, at a depth of 96 km.
The association said it is maintaining close contact with the capitals of affected departments and communicating with local mayors and their teams to follow the latest developments, assess damage and identify the most urgent relief needs.
Leaders across the world express solidarity and support for the people of Colombia.
French President Immannuel Macron stated that Colombia can count on France's friendship and support and expressed solidarity.
"In the face of the terrible earthquake that has struck Colombia, I extend, on behalf of France, my most sincere thoughts to the Colombian people. I think of the victims, their families, the injured, and all those who have been affected by this disaster. Our solidarity also goes to the rescue teams and all those who are working, with courage, to assist the affected populations. In this ordeal, Colombia can count on our friendship and our support," Macron wrote on X.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed solidarity and support and called on people around the world to support the affected people.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The scale of this disaster is unimaginable - 188 lives lost and thousands injured. Colombia needs our prayers and practical help right now. India, being prone to natural disasters itself, should lead by example in offering rapid support.
Always sad to see natural disasters hit developing regions. The infrastructure damage will take years to repair. My thoughts are with the families affected.
It's good to see world leaders like Macron and Zelensky expressing solidarity. But words alone won't rebuild homes. Colombia needs concrete aid - medical teams, temporary shelter, and funding. India should step up with all its resources. 🇮🇳🤝🇨🇴
The resilience of Colombian people is inspiring. Even as they grieve, rescue teams are working tirelessly. This reminds us of the importance of global cooperation in times of crisis.
The fact that airports and infrastructure got damaged makes relief efforts harder. I hope Colombia's disaster management teams get all the international support they need. Sending love and strength from Bengaluru. 🌸
Tragic event. I hope the international community responds faster than they did for other recent disasters. Every hour counts when people are trapped under rubble.
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