A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has devastated western Colombia, claiming over 200 lives, injuring 1,200 and leaving 3,000 missing in the strongest tremor to hit the region in a decade.



More than 200 people have been killed from a massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake in western Colombia, with over 1,200 injured and more than 3,000 reported missing.

The epicenter of the earthquake. which took place on Aug. 10 was in San José del Palmar, a community of approximately 4,800 people in the Chocó region, roughly 250 miles west of Bogotá, Aleteia reported.

It is recorded as the strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in over a decade, with tremors felt as far away as Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama, Al Jazeera reported.

During a video message, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national emergency and said he would travel to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó. “You are not alone,” he said in a video message. “Colombia has a president who cares about the people and who will do everything in his power to help them in the most difficult moments.”

Several Christian organizations have launched relief efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic pastoral aid organization, has approved emergency funding to support local Catholic Churches in Colombia.

“Our teams near the epicenter in Chocó are reporting damages to infrastructure, including to hospitals and clinics,” said Nicole Kast, the International Rescue Committee’s Country Director for Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. “Impacted communities were already facing armed conflict and high levels of poverty before the ground began to shake.”

Meanwhile, Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL) is trying to determine whether church members from affiliated churches were affected, The Christian Post reported.

"We are touring the area, calling to find out how our members and churches have been affected, what has happened," he explained.

Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, expressed his sentiments on the matter and shared that his organization is currently on the ground extending its assistance.

“All of us were shocked to see the news and videos of the powerful earthquake in Colombia yesterday. @SamaritansPurse has worked in Colombia for many years and has three field offices in different areas there. I have also preached in Bogotá and Cúcuta, Graham wrote on X.

“We will be responding to the earthquake and are currently working to put together an airlift of relief supplies, including emergency shelter tarp and hygiene kits. I encourage you to pray for the people of this country. They do not yet know the death toll, but many have died. People are sleeping on the streets in fear because of the strong aftershocks.”

Prayer
Lord, we seek Your comfort and Your strength during this time. Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones in this earthquake, and we pray that those who are missing would be found. We also pray for healing for those who have been injured. Overall, we look to You, for You are in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Source