A powerful earthquake has shaken Colombia and other Latin American countries, causing buildings tremble in Bogota and Quito, Ecuador. The Colombian Geological Survey estimated the magnitude of the earthquake at 6.6, while its American counterpart, the USGS, at 7.4, with epicenter at 100 km depth in western Colombia. The tremor was felt as far north as Panama and led to the evacuation of some buildings in Bogota.
The earthquake, which began at 7.34 am local time (1.34 pm Italian time), was felt distinctly in major cities such as Bogota and Cali. The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar, in the Chocò department, on the Pacific coast, at one depth of 82 kilometers. The high magnitude meant that the earthquake was felt not only in every area of the country but also in Ecuador and Panama, where buildings and hospitals were evacuated in the capital and other locations in the eastern part of the country. The number of victims is increasing hour by hour and it is feared it could be very high, in the order of thousands. There were also many people missing under the rubble.
Dozens of buildings collapsed, seven airports closed
The material damage was also extensive, with dozens of collapsed buildings and seven airports – Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo’, Armenia, Cartago, Cali and Buenaventura – forced to suspend operations until the impact on infrastructure is thoroughly assessed. The department that paid the highest price in human lives is that of Risaralda, followed by Valle del Cauca. In Pereira, the capital of Risaralda, a region famous for its coffee production, numerous buildings have collapsed and rescue teams are still searching for people trapped under the rubble.
De la Espriella: “The State is present and is acting”
New Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, in office since Friday, has an emergency committee convened to deal with the consequences of the disaster and announced that he will travel to Pereira to provide aid to those affected. “I have ordered the establishment of a Unified command to coordinate the response to the damage and the needs of those affected,” said De la Espriella, “you are not alone. Lo State is present and is acting“.
International solidarity
There are numerous demonstrations of national solidarity. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, assured that the US “is ready to support” the Colombian people. El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, offered to send rescue teams and doctors. The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, promised “all the support the Colombian people will need, if necessary.” Even Venezuela has made rescuers and humanitarian aid available, still not recovered from the devastating double earthquake last June.
EU: Copernicus satellites serving Colombia
The European Union has made available to Colombia the Copernicus satellite systemto contribute to the relief operations after the powerful earthquake that hit the country. This was announced by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. “This evening the heart of Europe is with the Colombian people after the terrible earthquake in the Chocò region”, wrote von der Leyen on social media. “We have already mobilized Copernicus, our satellite service, for help in rescue operations“, added the President of the Commission. Von der Leyen also assured that the European Union is “ready to deliver further support” to Colombia to deal with the consequences of the earthquake.