A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 132 fatalities and more than 570 injuries, according to President Abelardo de la Espriella, as reported by CNN. The earthquake occurred during local time and has prompted emergency responses across affected regions.
Donation Points Established in Bogotá for Disaster Relief
Bogotá Mayor Carlos F. Galán announced the launch of six donation collection points aimed at supporting communities impacted by the recent disaster. These locations will gather essential items, including drinking water, blankets, non-perishable food, hygiene products, and first-aid materials. The initiative is part of the city’s response to assist those affected by the crisis.
Political Context
Nubia Carolina Córdoba Curi, the governor of Colombia’s northwestern Chocó department, confirmed that the regional capital, Quibdó, has suffered injuries and extensive building damage, while also voicing concern over the possibility of aftershocks, according to CNN. He further added, “So far, no serious impacts have been reported in Bogota. We are all in this together.”
On the other hand, everything has already been coordinated with the National Government so that 100 rescuers from Bogota can travel to the most affected cities and support search and rescue operations. We are ready to continue helping so that the response is as swift as possible. The president said that 1,577 residential buildings were damaged and 37 others were completely destroyed. The New York Times reported that the president also noted the collapse of more than 60 buildings, as well as damage to 18 health centres and 52 schools. Earlier that day, the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at approximately 7:34 am local time. Its epicentre was near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó region, roughly 280 kilometres west of Bogotá, at a depth of 107 kilometres, according to CNN.
Risaralda Governor Juan Diego Patiño told the radio station BluRadio that the department of Risaralda, located in western-central Colombia, has been the hardest-hit area, according to CNN. In a statement, President de la Espriella announced that he had called an emergency committee to deal with the damage and vowed that the government “will do whatever is necessary” to safeguard those affected. He further said he would personally take the lead in guiding the country through the quake’s aftermath.
