The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday has risen to 234 nationwide, according to the latest figures released Tuesday morning by Asocapitales, the Colombian association of capital cities.
Earlier release said more than 1,300 others were injured.
The Colombian government declared a state of national disaster earlier on Monday to respond to the impact of the earthquake.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, the quake struck at 7:34 local time in western Colombia. Its epicenter was near San Jose del Palmar, in the department of Choco, at a depth of 96 km.
Colombia quake death toll rises to 234
Colombia quake death toll rises to 234
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said he is saddened by reports that over 180 people have died, with many others injured, following Monday's 7.5-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims in a message conveyed by his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq at a press conference from the UN Headquarters in New York.
"He expresses his solidarity with the people and government of Colombia, and extends his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for a speedy recovery to all those affected, as reports emerge of collapsed homes and other significant damage and as the authorities work to assess the full impact. The United Nations is in close contact with the Colombian authorities and is supporting the government-led response as requested," said Haq.
Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, expressed his sincere sympathies to Colombia's quake-stricken areas at an emergency open meeting of the Security Council on the Middle East issue on the same day.
"China expresses its deepest condolences to the victims of the powerful earthquake in Colombia, and extends its sincere sympathies to the families of the deceased and to those injured. We believe that under the leadership of the Colombian government, the people of Colombia will unite as one to overcome the disaster at an early date, and rebuild their homes," he said.
According to the United Nations, after the Colombian government requested international assistance, the World Food Programme (WEF) is prepared to help the affected people through its food and cash assistance mechanisms.
The WFP currently has approximately 4,500 tons of food reserves in Colombia, which can be quickly delivered and used for relief efforts. In addition, more supplies can be mobilized through its regional and global supply networks.
UN chief "saddened" by human losses in Colombia earthquake
