Colombia quake death toll rises to 188

The death toll from Monday's 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has risen to 188, with 1,677 others injured, the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, or Asocapitales, said Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

Of the total, the latest tally included 95 deaths and 997 injuries reported in the city of Cali, while Pereira reported 79 deaths and 278 injuries.

Asocapitales said it has launched a system to report and search for missing persons as rescue and damage assessment work continues.

UN chief saddened by human losses in Colombia earthquake

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is saddened by reports that 188 people have died, with many others injured, following Monday's 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Guterres expressed his solidarity with the people and government of Colombia and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. He wished all those affected a speedy recovery, as reports continued to emerge of collapsed homes and other significant damage while authorities worked to assess the full impact.

"The UN is in close contact with the Colombian authorities and is supporting the Government-led response as requested," he added.