Bogota: The US State Department has pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid to Colombia after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake resulted in the deaths of at least 111 people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. The earthquake, which struck near San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, has left the nation grappling with significant loss and destruction.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US State Department announced the emergency funding would be allocated for essential needs such as emergency shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments. The announcement was made via a post on the US social media platform X, where the department expressed solidarity with the Colombian people and confirmed its readiness to support President Abelardo de la Espriella and his government in addressing the urgent needs on the ground.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott also communicated through X, indicating that the department is actively helping American citizens affected by the disaster. He advised Americans in Colombia to contact the US Embassy in Bogota for consular assistance, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of US nationals in the region.

The earthquake, which struck at a depth of about 107 kilometers (66 miles), caused significant damage around 400 kilometers (249 miles) west of Colombia's capital, Bogota. Colombian authorities have reported at least 87 people injured and approximately 1,600 buildings damaged, with 61 structures completely collapsed due to the seismic event.