ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by a powerful earthquake in Colombia.
In a statement on his X timeline, the prime minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, the people of Colombia, and the bereaved families.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and all those affected by this tragedy. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia in this difficult hour,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
The powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia near the municipality of San José del Palmar in Chocó department, causing widespread destruction.
The calamity resulted in more than 100 deaths, dozens of injuries, and the collapse of over 60 buildings across several major cities, prompting President De La Espriella to declare a national state of emergency, according to the media reports.
Colombia sits along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and records thousands of mostly minor earthquakes each month.
Northwestern University seismologist Suzan van der Lee said the quake’s powerful magnitude, inland location and strike-slip motion may have amplified damage in populated valleys despite its considerable depth.
Also read:More than 100 killed after strongest quake this century hits western Colombia
