The national government has declared a national emergency and has deployed all its resources to assist the affected and coordinate rescue efforts.
Just four days after taking office as President, Abelardo de la Espriella has appeared to inform about the government's response to the earthquake and has met with the mayors of the main affected cities to coordinate emergency actions.
Pereira, one of the towns most affected by the earthquake, has also imposed a curfew to prevent possible looting and ensure safety while assistance and search for survivors continue.
During his appearance, the Colombian president has delivered a message of reassurance to the victims and has guaranteed the government's commitment: "we will not leave you alone," he stated.
De la Espriella also emphasized that "the national government has all its capacities deployed" to address the emergency, while rescue teams work in the areas most affected by the Colombian earthquake.