El Salvador offers rescue, medical teams to Colombia after 7.4 magnitude earthquake

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele has offered immediate assistance to Colombia in the form of rescue and medical teams following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Andean nation. The tremor has resulted in at least 20 fatalities and caused widespread destruction across several cities in western and central Colombia.

In a message posted on X, Bukele stated that while Colombia possesses capable emergency response teams, El Salvador stands ready to deploy its own specialized units. "Colombia has emergency and rescue teams in the affected areas, and I trust in their capacity to respond to this emergency," Bukele wrote. "However, from El Salvador, we are in communication and ready to support immediately with our rescue teams, doctors, paramedics, supplies, or any other aid that our Colombian brothers consider necessary."

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Colombia has emergency and rescue teams in the affected areas, and I trust in their capacity to respond to this emergency. However, from El Salvador, we are in communication and ready to support immediately with our rescue teams, doctors, paramedics, supplies, or any other aid that our Colombian brothers consider necessary.

The Salvadoran president conveyed his deep concern, stating that he is closely monitoring the consequences of the earthquake. He prayed for God's protection over Colombia and strength for its people. "Our prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, with the injured, and with all Colombians who are going through difficult times today," he added.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, at a depth of 82 kilometers, according to the Colombian Geological Service. Quibdó, the capital of Chocó and the closest city to the epicenter, reported injured individuals and severe building damage. The quake was also felt strongly in Pereira, Manizales, and Cali, where structural damage occurred. At least seven Colombian airports sustained damage, as reported by the Civil Aeronautics agency.

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Our prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives, with the injured, and with all Colombians who are going through difficult times today.