Colombia’s Caracol Radio reported Tuesday that 1,600 residential buildings were damaged, 7 airports were shut down, and 18 health centers and 52 schools were damaged. Cauca and Risaralda, west of the so-called Coffee Axis, reported the highest casualties.
The Colombian government has declared a national disaster and sent rescue teams to the worst-hit areas. The military has deployed search-and-rescue units with specialized equipment and rescue dogs to search for people trapped under the rubble.
Officials from the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Chile, and Ecuador offered condolences and said they are ready to send rescue teams, medical staff, and emergency aid to Colombia.
