Colombia declares three days of national mourning after deadly earthquake

Wednesday 12 - 13:15

By: Sahili Aya

Colombia declares three days of national mourning after deadly earthquake

Colombia has declared three days of national mourning following a devastating earthquake that has killed 216 people and left thousands injured, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors in the country's west.

The government announced the mourning period on Wednesday as emergency crews remained deployed in areas heavily damaged by the powerful tremor.

National flags lowered across Colombia

Under the government decree, Colombia's national flag will be flown at half-mast on public buildings throughout the country.

The measure will also apply to Colombian embassies and consulates overseas, in a nationwide tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster.

The decision reflects the scale of the catastrophe, which has caused extensive destruction and prompted a major emergency response.

Rescue teams continue the search

While the country observes the mourning period, search-and-rescue operations are continuing in western Colombia.

The earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.4, destroyed entire blocks in some areas and has been described as the deadliest earthquake to strike Colombia this century.

Emergency workers are still searching damaged buildings in the hope of finding survivors beneath the rubble. The operation is taking place alongside efforts to provide assistance to thousands of injured people and residents affected by the destruction.

A disaster leaving a deep national impact

The authorities' decision to declare national mourning comes as the human toll continues to weigh heavily on the country.

For families awaiting news of relatives, rescue operations remain the immediate priority. For communities facing damaged homes and infrastructure, the next phase will involve securing affected areas and organizing humanitarian assistance.

The three-day mourning period provides an official moment of national remembrance while emergency teams continue their work on the ground.

As flags are lowered across Colombia and at diplomatic missions abroad, the country is paying tribute to the victims of one of the most devastating natural disasters in its recent history.