AiBotPereira, Colombia – Tuesday evening, a severe earthquake struck the city of Pereira, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The 6.5 magnitude quake, which struck at approximately 9:00 PM local time, caused widespread damage to buildings across the city, sending residents into a state of panic.
According to reports, the epicenter of the earthquake was located near the city of Dosquebradas, approximately 20 kilometers east of Pereira. The quake was felt as far as the capital city, Bogotá, and was described by residents as particularly intense.
“It was like the whole city was shaking,” said Maria Rodriguez, a local resident. “I was inside my home when it happened, and at first, I thought it was just the house settling, but then the walls started to crack, and I knew it was an earthquake.”
The Colombian authorities have confirmed that over 20 buildings were severely damaged, including several residential complexes, commercial properties, and public institutions. Emergency services responded quickly to the disaster, with rescue teams working through the night to search for potential survivors trapped under debris.
“We are doing everything we can to assist those affected by this disaster,” said Governor Juan Pablo Gallego, in a statement released earlier today. “We are working closely with local authorities to assess the damage and provide aid to those in need.”
The Colombian authorities have dispatched a team of experts to assess the damage and provide further assistance. The city’s main hospitals have reported receiving a large number of patients, many of whom were injured in the earthquake.
Meanwhile, the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations have mobilized to provide aid to those affected. In a statement, the Red Cross said it was providing emergency shelter, food, and water to those affected by the disaster.
As the city struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of the earthquake, the international community has offered its support. The United States has pledged to provide aid to Colombia, and the European Union has expressed its willingness to assist with relief efforts.
For now, the people of Pereira remain focused on rescue efforts, trying to locate those who may still be trapped under debris. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with the support of local and international authorities, the city will work to rebuild and recover from this devastating disaster.