World
7.4 Magnitude Earthquake in Colombia Leaves at Least 21 Dead
The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó. Damage has been reported to several buildings and disruptions at regional airports.
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook Colombia, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department. So far, at least 21 deaths have been reported, according to various sources, along with numerous injuries in the department's capital, Quibdó, where structural damage to buildings has been recorded.
Colombia's Civil Aeronautics authorities reported that air operations have been suspended at six airports due to damage caused by the quake. The affected airports are those in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, where assessments of the infrastructure are underway.
The mayor's office in Pereira indicated that at least 18 people have died in that city as a result of the earthquake. Mayor Mauricio Salazar described the situation as critical, although no official tally of the total number of victims has been released.
The repercussions of the quake have also been felt in several neighboring municipalities, and in some areas, people have become trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts are underway to locate and assist the affected victims.
Mexico has offered its assistance to Colombia in response to this tragedy. The head of government of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed her solidarity and stated that her administration is in contact with the Mexican embassy to obtain updated information about the situation in Colombia.
The magnitude and impact of the earthquake have generated a state of maximum alarm in the affected regions, while emergency services continue to work to meet the needs of the displaced and assess the damages.