Colombia Earthquake: 132 Dead in Magnitude 7.4 Tremor

POLICY WIRE — Bogotá, Colombia — A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on [Date], resulting in at least 132 fatalities. The epicentre was located in Chocó province, near the Pacific Coast, but the tremor was felt in cities hundreds of kilometres away.

The earthquake, Colombia’s largest in years, caused widespread damage. Reports indicate significant structural damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Emergency services are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating rescue efforts.

Authorities have confirmed 132 deaths, with fears that the number could rise as rescue operations continue. Hundreds more have been injured, and many are still unaccounted for.

President [Name] addressed the nation, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and assuring the public that all available resources are being mobilized to assist those affected. “This is a tragic moment for our nation, but we will stand together and support each other through this crisis,” the President said.

International aid organizations have begun mobilizing support, with several countries offering assistance. The United Nations has activated its emergency response team to provide aid and coordinate relief efforts.

Local residents described the moment the earthquake hit as terrifying. “The ground shook violently, and we could hear buildings cracking,” said [Name], a resident of [City]. “It was chaos; people were running in the streets, scared and confused.”

Geologists have noted that Colombia lies on the boundary of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, making it prone to seismic activity. The last major earthquake in the region occurred in [Year], measuring [Magnitude] and resulting in [Number] deaths.

For the latest updates on the situation, visit Policy-Wire.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)