Colombia declares national disaster as earthquake death toll reaches 71

BOGOTA – President Abelardo De La Espriella has declared a national disaster following the powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday.

According to figures reported by Asocapitales, 71 people have died so far, making the earthquake one of Colombia’s most serious natural disasters in recent years.

In Valle del Cauca alone, 27 deaths have been reported, including four children. Patients are also being evacuated from the Hospital Universitario del Valle as part of emergency measures.

Authorities in Barranquilla have opened a collection center to receive aid for those affected by the earthquake.