Doha: The United Nations said it is monitoring developments in Colombia following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country earlier Monday. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq reported that communications in rural areas were limited, with initial reports indicating structural damage, including collapsed homes, though no confirmed casualty figures were available at the time.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Colombian government has initiated precautionary evacuations and is conducting damage and casualty assessments. The UN stated its readiness to provide assistance as needed in response to the disaster.
Local authorities had earlier reported at least 20 deaths, with several individuals still trapped under collapsed buildings. Emergency response teams are working to rescue those affected and manage the situation as efficiently as possible.