Ursula von der Leyen says EU is "ready to provide more support" for Colombia after earthquake

After a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and collapsing numerous buildings, President Abelardo de la Espriella declared an emergency decree. Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission, responded by saying the EU could supply additional assistance; she noted that its Copernicus satellite program had already been activated to aid rescue operations. The quake hit near the coastal Choco region at a depth of 100 kilometers, damaged cities including Pereira, Manizales and Cali, and was felt in neighboring countries. The EU official’s pledge came amid offers of help from the United States, Israel, Mexico, Ecuador and France, as Colombian authorities searched for survivors trapped under rubble.