SANTO DOMINGO. – The Dominican Republic expressed its solidarity with the people and government of Colombia following the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck several regions of the country, leaving more than 100 people dead and causing extensive damage to buildings and critical infrastructure.
The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government deeply regretted the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake and was closely monitoring developments as Colombian authorities continued assessing the extent of the disaster.
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President Luis Abinader also expressed his support for Colombia and conveyed the Dominican Republic’s condolences to the victims and their families.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all the communities going through these difficult times,” Abinader said in a message posted on X.
The Dominican president said his country stands with Colombia and remains prepared to provide whatever assistance may be necessary as rescue and recovery operations continue.
Colombian authorities declared a national disaster after the death toll reached at least 111, with officials warning that the number could increase as emergency crews reach heavily affected communities and search damaged and collapsed buildings.
The earthquake was strongly felt in Bogotá, Cali, Popayán, Manizales, Armenia, Pereira, Medellín and other cities across central and western Colombia. Tremors were also reported in neighboring Panama and Ecuador.
Colombia’s coffee-growing region was among the areas hardest hit. Risaralda reported at least 40 deaths and extensive structural damage, while additional fatalities were reported in Manizales and the department of Valle del Cauca.
In Pereira, the capital of Risaralda, authorities described a critical situation as emergency crews responded to reports of injured residents and people trapped beneath rubble. Buildings were damaged throughout the city as rescue teams worked to locate survivors.
Manizales also suffered significant destruction. Part of the city’s iconic cathedral was reported to have collapsed, while numerous buildings sustained structural and facade damage. Fear of additional tremors kept many residents outside their homes as authorities continued inspecting affected structures.
Transportation infrastructure was also disrupted. Six airports in western Colombia, including facilities serving Pereira and Manizales, suspended operations while aviation authorities assessed possible earthquake-related damage.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella announced an emergency meeting in Bogotá and said he would personally coordinate with his government team as authorities responded to the crisis.
International expressions of solidarity followed the disaster. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was prepared to provide assistance to the Colombian people and government as the scale of the emergency became clearer.
Emergency and rescue operations continued across the affected regions as authorities assessed casualties, structural damage and infrastructure disruptions. The full extent of the disaster remained uncertain, particularly in communities where communications and transportation had been affected by the earthquake.
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