Colombia quake death toll rises to 132, over 570 injured

The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has risen to 132, with more than 570 others injured, the Colombian government said in its latest update.

According to the preliminary report, 32 cities across the country have been seriously affected, while five departmental capitals — Pereira, Cali, Quibdo, Manizales and Armenia – remain under red alert. Pereira reported 60 deaths, followed by Cali with 15, Quibdo with eight and Manizales with four, the report said.

A total of 86 buildings had collapsed, while operations at seven airports had been suspended due to quake-related damage.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said earlier that the government had declared a state of national disaster to respond to the impact of the earthquake.

The Chinese Embassy in Colombia said Monday that it had activated an emergency response mechanism immediately after the quake and was checking the situation of Chinese nationals across the country. No casualties among Chinese citizens had been reported so far, the embassy said.

According to the Colombian Geological Service, the quake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday. Its epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar, in the department of Choco, at a depth of 96 km.

China Daily