The United Nations agency, headquartered in Chile, expressed, in a message posted on X, its deepest condolences to the Colombian people and government after the violent 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck that country.

ECLAC Executive Secretary Jose Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs said, “We offer support, particularly in our area of expertise in disaster damage and loss assessment, a field in which the UN organization has extensive experience and a robust methodology.”

Monday’s earthquake had its epicenter in the Colombian department of Choco, and among the most affected cities are Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, and Armenia.

Preliminary reports indicate that nearly 5,000 homes were damaged, 61 buildings collapsed, and health, educational, and community centers, roads, and airports suffered damage.

jdt/iff/arc/car