President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday extended condolences to the Government and people of Colombia following an earthquake that killed at least 132 people and caused widespread damage across parts of the country. “The Government and people of Guyana join me in extending deepest condolences to the families and communities of Colombia affected by the devastating earthquake that resulted in the loss of lives and destruction earlier today,” President Ali said. “During this difficult time, our hearts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and with those who have been injured,” he added. The President said Guyana stands in solidarity with Colombia as the country responds to the disaster and begins its recovery efforts. “Guyana stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Colombia in their journey of recovery and assures of our readiness to support this journey,” Ali said. According to an Al Jazeera report, citing the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, the 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck near the municipality of San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Choco region, about 400 kilometres (km) west of the capital, Bogotá. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the depth of the earthquake at about 107 km. Colombia’s Geological Service described it as the highest-magnitude earthquake recorded in the country in the last decade, Al Jazeera reported. Dozens of buildings collapsed, trapping people under debris and leaving scores injured. Authorities also reported evacuations in several areas, including Bogotá, where residents rushed into the streets as alarms sounded.

Al Jazeera reported that airports in Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira suspended flights following the earthquake. In Pereira, local media footage showed sections of the airport ceiling falling as travellers sought shelter. The quake was followed by two aftershocks measuring 2.8 and 4.8 in magnitude. No tsunami warning was issued.

The Choco region, located along Colombia’s Pacific coast, is among the country’s poorest areas and includes remote communities that are accessible mainly by boat or aircraft. The geography could complicate efforts to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties, according to Al Jazeera. Colombia’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency to facilitate funding for recovery and said he planned to visit the affected area. The latest earthquake comes amid heightened seismic activity in the region. Al Jazeera reported that two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in late June, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, with the death toll later surpassing 6,000.