Major Quake Strikes Western Colombia
At 7:34 AM local time this Monday, a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia. According to geological data, the epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, at a depth of 82 kilometers. To date, the quake has caused at least 224 deaths and over 900 injuries. Major cities such as Pereira, Cali, and Quibdó have reported extensive damage or collapse of buildings, leaving hundreds trapped or missing. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations advance.
Spanish Citizens Missing and Official Response
On Tuesday, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that 164 Spanish citizens in Colombia are currently “unaccounted for” following the earthquake. In response, the Spanish Embassy and consulates in Colombia have fully activated their emergency protocols, publicizing two 24-hour emergency hotlines (+57 3164733216 and +34 910001249) to assist affected citizens and their families. King Felipe VI of Spain has sent a message of condolence to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, while Prime Minister Sánchez and leaders of the main opposition parties have publicly expressed their solidarity and support for the people of Colombia.
International Aid and Global Support
The disaster has drawn widespread international attention. The European Commission has activated its Copernicus satellite system to assist with damage assessment and has allocated an initial €100,000 for emergency humanitarian aid. The U.S. government has pledged $15.5 million (approximately €13.4 million) in assistance. Furthermore, several countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Cuba, Venezuela, and Ecuador, have expressed their support and offered specific aid. The United Nations has stated it is ready to provide assistance at any time but has not yet received a formal request from the Colombian government. In the sports world, FC Barcelona and its foundation have announced a donation of €100,000 and launched a fundraising campaign for fans worldwide.
Disaster Zone Conditions and Rescue Progress
The Colombian government has declared a national state of disaster and established a unified command center to coordinate rescue efforts. Search and rescue operations are continuing around the clock. In Cali, one of the hardest-hit cities, officials have confirmed 85 deaths and the collapse of about 20 buildings, where rescuers successfully saved an infant from the rubble. The city of Pereira, another severely affected area, has reported at least 55 fatalities and has implemented a curfew to maintain order. In Manizales, three people died, and a tower of the city’s iconic cathedral was severely damaged in the earthquake. As a result of the quake, at least six airports have suspended operations due to runway or facility damage. The earthquake also triggered volcanic activity in adjacent areas, leading to the temporary closure of the airport in Popayán.
