Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 132, 570 Injured as National Disaster Declared

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has devastated parts of Colombia, with the epicenter located in the Chocó department. The tremor, which had a depth of 96 kilometers, has claimed at least 132 lives and injured over 570 people, according to the Association of Colombian Capital Cities.

President Abelardo De La Espriella has declared a national disaster to address the emergency. In Cali, the president reported approximately 5,000 damaged or collapsed homes, 35 fatalities, and around 700 injured. Three hospitals have collapsed, and 18 others are affected. Additionally, 39 educational centers sustained damage, and the airport's operation is restricted.

The most pressing concern for the government is the 188 people reported missing. "This is where we will concentrate the State's action, all articulated with the departmental government, the municipal government, and, of course, the national government," the president stated. Rescue and aid efforts are being coordinated on the ground, with the commander of the Army present in Chocó to oversee the emergency response.

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What worries us most, without a doubt, are the 188 missing people, and it is on this point in particular that we will concentrate the State's action, all articulated with the departmental government, the municipal government, and, of course, the national government.