De la Espriella orders Unified Command Post activated after strong earthquake in Colombia

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has ordered the immediate activation of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the emergency response following a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the Andean nation on Monday morning. The earthquake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, within the Chocó department. President de la Espriella confirmed that emergency teams will be deployed to the epicenter to assess damages and provide aid to those affected. He personally assumed leadership of the emergency response efforts in San José del Palmar. "I have personally assumed leadership of the attention for the emergency in San José del Palmar. I have ordered the installation of a Unified Command Post to coordinate the attention to the damages and the affected," de la Espriella stated on the social media platform X. He also requested a detailed report from David Tamayo, the director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), regarding the situation and the most urgent needs. The president highlighted that Pereira, a city significantly impacted by the earthquake, sustained severe damage to its buildings. De la Espriella announced he would personally visit Pereira to support those affected and verify the government's response, assuring citizens, "You are not alone. The State is present and acting."