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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombia Reels After Major Earthquake Kills At Least 130

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 130 people and injuring over 570.
  • Buildings collapsed and were severely damaged in major cities like Cali and Pereira.
  • The national government has deployed resources to assist affected communities and protect lives.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastated western Colombia on Monday, claiming the lives of at least 130 people and leaving more than 570 injured. The seismic event, which struck at 7:34 a.m. local time with its epicenter in the Chocó department, caused widespread destruction.

Scores of buildings crumbled and sustained severe damage in key urban centers, including Cali and Pereira. The tremors were also felt in neighboring Venezuela, a country still recovering from a deadly earthquake on June 24.

In response to the disaster, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella addressed the nation, assuring that the government has mobilized its full capabilities. "The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities, and begin the process of recovery," he stated. The Colombian Association of Capital Cities is coordinating relief efforts across the country.

The national government has all of its capabilities deployed to protect lives, assist affected communities, and begin the process of recovery.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaIn a national address, Colombia’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, described the government's response to the earthquake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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