Colombia declares three days mourning for quake victims as EU pledges assistance

Colombia Declares Three Days Mourning After Devastating Earthquake

Poinews.com – Colombia declares three days mourning for the victims of a powerful earthquake that struck the western region of the country on Monday. The magnitude 7.4 tremor, the strongest to hit Colombia in a century, has killed more than 200 people and left thousands homeless. In response to the tragedy, the government announced that flags would be lowered to half-staff on official buildings and at Colombian embassies worldwide, honoring all those who lost their lives.

Emergency crews worked tirelessly in cities like Pereira and Cali, using cranes, rescue dogs, and heavy machinery to search through collapsed buildings. Volunteers formed human chains to clear debris by hand, hoping to reach survivors trapped beneath the rubble. The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical for rescue operations, and there was renewed hope on Tuesday when rescuers pulled out 32-year-old Daniela Largo from the ruins.

“We were losing hope and then we received a call,” said her mother Sandra Milena Perez in Pereira. “A local resident heard cries for help beneath the rubble and joined neighbours in removing debris before professional rescuers arrived.”

Community Resilience and Government Response

From aerial views, neighborhoods in Cali appeared flattened, with piles of grey rubble replacing entire blocks of homes and apartment buildings. Cars lay crushed beneath fallen walls and concrete slabs. The earthquake overwhelmed parts of the health system, turning the rescue effort into one of Colombia’s largest disaster responses in recent years. Many survivors spent the night outdoors, either because their homes were damaged or because they feared aftershocks.

One park in Pereira was transformed into a makeshift shelter with tents and mattresses. “We lost everything, but we’re alive,” said 23-year-old John Tabasco, who was camped there with his wife and seven-month-old son. In Cali, part of the Hospital Universitario del Valle collapsed during the quake, forcing doctors to move patients into a parking lot and treat some in the open air.

Thousands of Colombians brought water, food, and supplies to affected neighborhoods, while long lines formed outside blood donation centers. “It’s about wanting to help your community, your city and your country,” said blood donor Ferney Cabrera. President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and promised rent subsidies for affected families during a visit to Pereira on Tuesday.

International Support and Recovery Efforts

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that the European Union would provide €2.1 million to Colombia to support its most affected areas. “As search and rescue operations continue, the EU is supporting Colombia wherever possible,” she said in a statement posted on X. The funding will provide health, water, sanitation and hygiene material, as well as shelter, food, protection and cash assistance.

The president of the EU executive added that Colombia has activated the bloc’s civil protection mechanism, which is designed to pool resources from the 27 member states to effectively provide assistance to the nation that triggered it. Von der Leyen previously said the EU had mobilised Copernicus, the bloc’s satellite service, to help with rescue operations. EU support is already operating on the ground, with the bloc’s humanitarian partner, the German Red Cross, reallocating €100,000 from an EU-funded project to meet the immediate needs of 2,500 families affected in Choco and Valle del Cauca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Colombia?

The earthquake that prompted Colombia to declare three days mourning registered at magnitude 7.4, making it the strongest seismic event to hit the country in over a century.

How many people were killed in the earthquake?

Authorities initially reported a higher death toll but revised the number down to 216 after local officials in Cali corrected earlier figures.

What assistance is the European Union providing to Colombia?

The EU has pledged €2.1 million to support Colombia’s recovery efforts, including health supplies, water, sanitation materials, shelter, food, protection services, and cash assistance for affected families.

Which regions of Colombia were most affected by the earthquake?

The cities of Cali and Pereira in western Colombia were among the hardest hit, with significant damage to buildings, hospitals, and residential areas. The Choco and Valle del Cauca regions also experienced substantial impacts.

How long will the mourning period last in Colombia?

Colombia declares three days mourning for the earthquake victims, during which flags will be lowered to half-staff on official buildings and at Colombian embassies around the world.