At least 111 people have died in the earthquake, which is the strongest recorded in the country in the past decade.
“We are united in prayer with the Colombian people and stand ready to support President de la Espriella and his government as they assess the needs on the ground,” the department writes on X.
The magnitude 7.4 quake, centred in San José del Palmar in Chocó department, struck at a depth of 107 kilometres early Monday local time and mainly affected western Colombia, according to the US Geological Survey.
Local media are reporting destroyed buildings in several cities. According to a statement from newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella, the government has deployed all resources “to protect lives, assist affected communities and deliver emergency aid to all areas that need it.”
Help has also been promised from the EU as well as Mexico and countries in South America.
