Colombia Declares National Disaster After M7.4 Earthquake

Colombian authorities have declared a state of national disaster after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the country on Monday morning, August 10. The tremor caused widespread damage and has led to a significant loss of life and injuries.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has directed government and military leadership to prioritize the distribution of essential resources to the areas most impacted by the earthquake. The official decree formalizing the national disaster status is currently being drafted, as emergency officials await the arrival of first response teams in the hardest-hit communities.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has deployed four Urban Search and Rescue teams from Bogota, Envigado, Yopal, and Medellin to aid in evacuation efforts. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center initially reported the earthquake at magnitude 6.8 but later upgraded it to 7.4, an assessment matched by United States experts. The epicenter was located near San Jose del Palmar in the Chocó region.

As of the latest reports, the death toll has risen to 132, with another 570 people injured. The earthquake's impact has also disrupted transportation, with six airports in western Colombia suspending flight operations. Neighboring countries, including Ecuador and Venezuela, also reported feeling the tremors. The United States has pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid to support relief efforts.