The Colombian government released a new official report confirming the deaths of 111 people and 87 injuries, following the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that hit the western region of the country this Monday (10). The document was released at 2:30 pm.
According to the government report, residential infrastructure suffered severe impacts, with 1,575 homes damaged and 37 completely destroyed, in addition to 61 buildings that collapsed and are the main focus of rescue efforts by relief agencies.
The technical assessment reported serious damage to the network of essential services and community institutions, accounting for 18 health centers, 52 educational centers, 17 community facilities and 18 sections of the road network with significant material damage.
Additionally, the air transportation system is facing severe operational limitations, as six air terminals have suffered damage to their infrastructure and remain out of commercial service, while an additional airport has suffered damage to its physical structure and runway.
Furthermore, the President of Colombia, Abelardo De La Espriella, announced the activation of the central Unified Command Post (PMU) in Bogotá and regional offices to coordinate the State’s response to the emergency plaguing the country.
The president confirmed the formal declaration of the state of emergency and sent his office to the affected territories, personally taking charge of institutional operations. “The top priority is the rescue of people trapped under the rubble,” said Espriella.
The epicenter of the tremor occurred in San José del Palmar, in western Colombia, at a depth of 110 km, according to the United States geological agency. The city is around 230 km from Bogotá and around 150 km from Medellín and Cali, cities most affected by the tremors.
An aftershock of magnitude 5.0, 100 kilometers deep, was recorded about an hour later. This Monday’s earthquake is the strongest recorded in Colombia in the last decade.
Support from Brazil
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva lamented the 7.4 magnitude earthquake recorded this Monday (10) in Colombia. On social media, he said he received the news of the tremor with concern and offered help.
“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 the necessary support,” he wrote.
with information from teleSur
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
