BOGOTA — Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella declared a national emergency after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, as rescue teams continued searching collapsed buildings and authorities assessed the scale of destruction from the country’s deadliest earthquake in years.
The earthquake struck on Monday near San José del Palmar in Chocó department and was felt across much of the country. It damaged or destroyed homes and other infrastructure in several western cities, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó.
De La Espriella, who took office only days before the disaster, ordered emergency authorities to coordinate rescue operations and aid distribution. The government has also established a central command structure in Bogotá to oversee the response and declared a period of national mourning for those killed.
The death toll has risen rapidly as emergency crews reach affected areas. Reuters reported on Wednesday that 265 people had been confirmed dead, with nearly 500 missing and more than 3,770 injured. More than 9,550 homes were reported destroyed, although authorities continued assessing damage and updating casualty figures.
Rescue operations have focused on buildings that collapsed or suffered severe structural damage. Officials have urged civilians to stay clear of rescue sites because of the risk posed by unstable structures and continuing aftershocks. More than 130 aftershocks had been recorded by Wednesday, according to Colombian authorities cited by local media.
International assistance has begun arriving. Mexico and Peru have sent support, while the United States has pledged $15 million in aid. The European Union separately announced €2 million to assist communities affected by the earthquake.
The disaster presents an early test for De La Espriella's administration, which began only days before the earthquake. The president has pledged to establish an emergency reconstruction fund to help rebuild homes, hospitals, schools and infrastructure damaged by the quake.
Rescue and recovery operations remained underway on Wednesday as authorities continued searching for missing people, assessing damage and delivering emergency assistance to affected communities.
