Colombian Politician Calls for Unity After Major Earthquake

Colombian leftist politician Iván Cepeda has urged national unity and solidarity in the wake of a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that has devastated parts of the country. Cepeda, a former presidential candidate and a key figure in the Pacto Histórico party, announced that his party would launch a national campaign to support victims and coordinate aid with official emergency response bodies.

The Pacto Histórico, which recently transitioned to the opposition following the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella, has pledged to work alongside authorities to address the emergency. The party plans to establish a humanitarian aid reception point at its Bogotá headquarters and utilize its social media channels to disseminate verified information about the needs of affected communities. Additionally, its members of congress will contribute a portion of their salaries to the Colombian Red Cross.

Cepeda emphasized the critical need for unified action, stating, "Colombia needs us united: unity, solidarity, and strength. Life first." He called on the new government to ensure a transparent and timely flow of public information regarding the emergency response and resource allocation. The party also condemned any attempts to politicize the tragedy, warning against "petty calculations or confrontations."

The earthquake has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. While the Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales) reported at least 132 deaths and over 570 injuries nationwide, the government had not released updated official figures by Monday afternoon. The quake caused numerous building collapses and severe damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, airports, and transportation systems, particularly in the central and western regions of Colombia.