Bogota, July 11. A powerful earthquake of 7.4 magnitude that occurred in western Colombia on Monday has caused massive devastation. The death toll in the earthquake has increased to 132, while more than 570 people are said to be injured. The Colombian government gave this information in the latest update. Colombia's President Abelardo de la Esperilla said in Bogota that 1,575 houses were damaged by the earthquake.
Apart from this, the infrastructure of six airports has also been damaged. Due to this, commercial flight operations from these airports have been stopped for the time being. In view of the damage caused by the earthquake and the relief operations, the government had declared a state of national disaster on Monday. According to the Colombian Geological Service, the earthquake occurred at 7:34 am local time.
Its center was near San Jose del Palmar in the Chocó Department of western Colombia. The depth of the earthquake was recorded at about 96 kilometers. After the earthquake, the administration has intensified relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. The Colombian Geological Service is in constant contact with the capitals and local administrations of the affected departments. Teams of officials are busy assessing the damage as well as ascertaining the immediate needs of the affected people.
Many countries of the world expressed condolences
Many countries of the world have expressed grief over this natural disaster in Colombia. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to the people of Colombia and said that his country stands with Colombia in this difficult time. He expressed support towards the victims, their families, the injured and the people engaged in relief work.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed grief over the earthquake. He said that the earthquake that occurred in western Colombia also affected neighboring Ecuador. Expressing condolences to the affected families, Zelensky appealed to people around the world to come forward to help the people and countries affected by the disaster.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni also expressed solidarity with Colombia. He said that Italy is continuously monitoring the situation related to the earthquake and stands with the people of Colombia, the affected families and those engaged in relief work in this difficult time.