Colombia declares three days of mourning after deadly earthquake

What the report says

Colombia has declared three days of national mourning after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake devastated parts of the country’s west, killing more than 200 people and leaving rescue crews racing to find survivors. The quake, which struck on Monday, was described by Al Jazeera as the strongest to hit Colombia in a century. Authorities said flags would be flown at half-staff at government buildings and at Colombian embassies abroad in tribute to the dead.

The disaster has caused widespread damage in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo, flattening buildings and damaging roads. Government figures cited by Al Jazeera put the number injured at 2,595 and the officially missing at 195, although civilian tracking groups believe the figure could be much higher. With more than 100 aftershocks recorded by Tuesday afternoon, officials and aid agencies said the first 48 to 72 hours are especially critical for finding people alive under the rubble.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office only days before the quake, has declared a state of emergency and promised rent subsidies for families who lost homes. The article also says part of the Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali collapsed, forcing staff to treat patients outdoors. Rural areas near the epicentre in Choco remain difficult to assess because of limited access and insecurity.

International assistance is beginning to arrive. The United States announced emergency aid and deployed urban search-and-rescue teams, while the European Union, Mexico and El Salvador have also offered support. Meanwhile, Colombians have been donating food, water and blood as rescue work continues.