At least 18 killed in earthquake in Pereira, western Colombia
Bogota, Aug 10
At least 18 people died in Pereira in western Colombia in the 7.4-magnitude earthquake, city mayor Mauricio Salazar said on Monday in an interview with Caracol Radio.
A 7.5-magnitude earthquake jolted Colombia at 8:34 p.m. on Monday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC), Xinhua News Agency reported.
The epicentre was monitored at 4.85 degrees north latitude and 76.15 degrees west longitude. The earthquake struck at a depth of 80 km, the centre said.
According to the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 jolted Colombia at 1234 GMT on Monday.
The epicentre, with a depth of 93.7 km, was initially determined to be at 4.86 degrees north latitude and 76.19 degrees west longitude.
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella said that he assumed leadership of the emergency response in San Jose del Palmar and ordered the establishment of a Unified Command Post at the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) to coordinate the attention to the damages and the affected individuals.
The President also noted that he requested the UNGRD director for a detailed report on the situation and the most urgent needs.
"I will also be personally in Pereira to accompany the affected people and verify the Government's response. You are not alone. The State is present and acting," he noted on X.
He also mentioned that he is heading to Bogota to focus on addressing the emergency in the country.
The President said that he wil will personally lead the actions to assist the communities of Chocó, the Coffee-Growers' Axis, and all affected areas from the Unified Command Post.
"To the Colombians who are going through difficult times today, I want to say: you are not alone. You have a President who cares deeply for his people and who will do everything necessary to protect you, support you, and move forward together in rebuilding the affected regions," Esperella stated on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who works in disaster management in India, I appreciate the Colombian President's quick response in setting up the Unified Command Post. The 80 km depth is significant - deeper earthquakes often cause less surface damage. Still, 18 lives lost is tragic. My prayers for the people of Pereira. 🌹
The President's words "You are not alone. The State is present and acting" are powerful. This is how leadership should respond in crises - being present on the ground and coordinating effectively. Hope the international community also steps up to help Colombia rebuild the affected regions. 🇮🇳🤝🇨🇴
Living in California, I've seen my share of earthquakes. The key is preparedness. Colombia's Coffee-Growers' Axis is mostly rural - rescue efforts there must be challenging. Let's hope for the best and that aid reaches the remote areas quickly. Good on the president for visiting Pereira personally.
Deeply heartbreaking. 😢 Countries like Colombia and India face similar challenges with natural disasters. The difference is often in preparedness and response time. Hopefully, Colombia's authorities can act quickly and save more lives. The international community should offer support without waiting for requests.
While I pray for the victims, I wonder if the global media gives enough attention to disasters in South America. The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco got extensive coverage, but ones in smaller Latin American cities barely make headlines. Every life matters equally. Just saying.
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