The UN offered its support to Colombia on Monday after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the west of the country, killing at least 111 people, including several children, while leaving others trapped under the rubble and causing landslides and serious damage to homes and infrastructure.
UN teams in Colombia are liaising with national authorities and the country's disaster risk management agency to closely monitor the situation and support the national response.
Speaking in New York, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the organization was following developments and stood ready to provide assistance.
"Our thoughts go out to all who have suffered as a result of this earthquake, and we stand ready to help as needed," Mr. Haq said.
The earthquake struck at around 7:34am local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar, in Chocó department, close to Valle del Cauca.
The tremor was felt across large parts of Colombia and in neighbouring countries, including Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela.
Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations as the death toll rises. Initial reports indicate that homes and other structures have collapsed in several towns, with people still trapped beneath the debris.
Mr. Haq also noted that limited connectivity in some rural areas is making it difficult to assess the full impact, meaning the scale of the damage is not yet clear.
Hardest hit
Pereira, a city of around 500,000, lies about 35 miles from the epicentre. As emergency teams search for survivors, the city's mayor reported 18 dead there.
In Cali, the country's third largest city, authorities have reported multiple landslides with people trapped and have requested reinforcements for rescue operations.
Damage has also affected transport infrastructure, with several airports in western Colombia suspending operations while facilities are inspected.
Evacuation orders were issued as far away as the capital, Bogotá, which sits 250 miles east of San José del Palmar.
The tragedy struck just three days after the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
The Government has activated its emergency response mechanisms and continues to assess damage and needs in affected areas.
Ready to respond
Several UN agencies have expressed solidarity with affected communities and said they are ready to assist, pending a Government request.
The World Food Programme ( WFP ) said it has the capacity to provide humanitarian assistance in support of the Government and national emergency authorities.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) - part of the wider UN system - said it is in close contact with national authorities.
The International Organization for Migration ( IOM ) is also monitoring the situation and stands ready to support the response, including providing assistance to those displaced.
Solidarity
IOM Director General Amy Pope expressed solidarity with Colombia and said the organisation was prepared to support affected communities.
The UN's refugee agency (UNCHR) also said it is assessing the impact of the earthquake and stands ready to assist in coordination with authorities and partners.
The UN system in Colombia said its teams will remain in contact with national institutions as the full scale of humanitarian needs becomes clearer.
