Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the devastating earthquake that struck western Colombia.
In a condolence message sent to his Colombian counterpart, the minister expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh and on his own behalf.
He wished the injured a speedy recovery and said Bangladesh stands by the people of Colombia in this difficult time.
Khalilur expressed hope that the people of Colombia will overcome the disaster with courage and determination.
Search and rescue efforts resumed on Tuesday in dozens of cities and towns in western Colombia after Monday’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake left over 3,000 missing, with many trapped under the debris.
According to AP, mayors and governors from Cali, Pereira, Choco and Manizales said at least 179 people died in those four areas, while the federal government, which last updated its estimates on Monday, said at least 111 died.
Around 1,600 buildings were reported damaged or collapsed. Soldiers, rescue personnel and families picked through the rubble, passing large pieces of concrete by hand along lines of volunteers.