Colombia: 132 killed, 570 injured in magnitude 7.4 earthquake

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake devastated parts of Colombia on Monday, claiming at least 132 lives and leaving 570 people injured. The city of Pereira, located near the epicenter, suffered the brunt of the disaster, reporting 60 fatalities alone. Across the nation, 86 buildings crumbled, and operations at seven airports were suspended.

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will do whatever is necessary

President Abelardo de la Espriella described the damage, stating that 1,577 residential buildings were damaged and 37 completely destroyed. He also reported damage to 18 health centers and 52 schools. The western-central department of Risaralda is the most severely affected region, according to Governor Juan Diego Patino.

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personally lead efforts

In response, President de la Espriella convened an emergency committee to address the widespread damage. He pledged that the government "will do whatever is necessary" to protect those impacted and vowed to "personally lead efforts" to guide the country through the crisis. Meanwhile, Bogota Mayor Carlos F Galan announced the establishment of six donation collection points in the capital to gather essential supplies like water, blankets, non-perishable food, and first-aid materials for the affected communities.

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In Bogota, we have set up 6 collection points to receive donations for the cities most affected by the earthquake. Needed: drinking water, blankets, quilts, mats, non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and first aid supplies. Please, if you can donate, do so