The number of deaths in Colombia as a result of the earthquake that hit the country already exceeds 240, according to a survey carried out by the agency AFP with various authorities this Tuesday (11). The tremor occurred on Monday (10), with a magnitude of 7.4, and seriously compromised the structure of several buildings.
The damage occurred mainly in Chocó, the department (subdivision used in the country, similar to Brazilian federative units) where the epicenter was located. It also affected neighboring departments, such as Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Antioquia.
The episode rekindles traumatic memories. In 1999, another earthquake killed around 1,200 people in the region.
The most recent phenomenon caused the destruction of residential and public structures, such as hospitals, schools, roads and electrical networks. Fundamental services came to a standstill in several regions. An unknown number of the population remains homeless.
The earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries, such as in some regions of Venezuela, in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, and in several provinces of Panama. These countries are located in the Pacific Belt of Fire, a highly seismic and volcanic region where the activity of the Nazca and Caribbean tectonic plates is recorded.
Despite a magnitude close to that of the two tremors that recently injured Venezuela (7.2 and 7.5, just a few minutes apart), the earthquake in Colombia had smaller impacts, as it occurred at a greater depth of the earth.
Volunteer rescue forces
At this time, security forces, firefighters and volunteer rescue teams remain committed to rescue operations.
“We are trying to remove the rubble because all the lottery sellers were here,” he told AFP Juana Marín, 25 years old, who was looking for survivors in a building facing the main square in Pereira, one of the most affected cities.
“I saw people go out naked, people threw themselves out of their houses […] desperate,” said Wilmer Cuesta, a law student who decided to help with the rescue in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó.
International aid
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on his social network that he makes Brazil available to help with whatever is necessary. “On behalf of the Brazilian people, I express my solidarity with the Colombian people, especially the families of the victims and all those affected by the tremors. Brazil remains at Colombia’s disposal to provide support”, he said.
The United States, allies of the new government of Abelardo de la Espriella, offered aid of 15.5 million dollars (around R$80 million) to deal with the emergency. Israel, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and El Salvador also offered help.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. Beijing authorities have not yet announced the sending of humanitarian aid or other assistance measures to the country.
*With information from AFP.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
