Death toll from Colombia earthquake rises to 132, government declares national emergency
Geopolitics
The death toll from the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has risen to 132, with more than 570 injured. Buildings, homes, hospitals, and infrastructure in several cities have been severely damaged, and many people remain trapped under rubble. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just days ago, has declared a national emergency and mobilized all resources for disaster relief, with the urgent mission of rescuing those still trapped. The Colombian Geological Survey said the quake was centered near the town of San José del Palmar in Chocó province at a depth of 96 kilometers, making it the strongest earthquake in the country's 21st century. The hardest-hit area is in Risaralda province, especially the city of Pereira, where officials are still searching for survivors.
