U.S. diplomats issued a “natural disaster alert” on Wednesday, as there was a rush to rescue survivors of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck on Monday morning in western Colombia.
The epicenter was near San José del Palmar, a rainforest town in the impoverished Chocó region. At least 265 died, according to Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management’s report on Wednesday.
“The U.S. Embassy is continuing to respond to reports of affected U.S. citizens, as well as monitor reports of airport and road closures,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson wrote in a statement.
The United Nations reported on Wednesday that severe infrastructure damage and disruptions to transport, communications, and public services were “actively hindering humanitarian relief efforts in hard-hit areas.”
President Abelardo De La Espriella, who took office on Friday, declared a national emergency.
The quake damaged some roads, tunnels, and bridges. Some widespread power, cell phone, and internet outages were hindering relief efforts.
The Matecaña International Airport in Pereira was closed. The Guillermo León Valencia Airport in Popayan was closed because of the Purace volcano system’s instability. Commercial flights at the Santa Ana Airport in Cartago were canceled. There were flight delays at other airports.
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