Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Quake Devastates Western Colombia
Rescue teams are continuing an urgent search for survivors after a powerful earthquake devastated western Colombia, killing at least 224 people and leaving widespread destruction across several cities.
The latest death toll is higher than earlier reports of 181 fatalities as authorities continue receiving information from badly affected areas. Hundreds of people have also been injured.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, August 10.
The quake caused buildings to collapse across several cities, damaged hospitals and transport infrastructure, and forced thousands of residents into the streets.
Cali and Pereira are among the areas reporting the highest number of deaths.
Reuters reported that Cali had recorded 95 fatalities in the latest official update, while Pereira had reported 72 deaths. Other fatalities were recorded across Valle del Cauca, Chocó and surrounding areas.
The earthquake was strong enough to be felt across large parts of Colombia, including Bogotá.
Tremors were also reported in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
The disaster has been described as one of Colombia’s most serious earthquakes in decades.
Volunteers Dig Through Rubble as Search Continues
Firefighters, police, soldiers and civilian volunteers worked throughout the night to search collapsed buildings.
In several neighbourhoods, residents used their hands, basic tools and flashlights to remove concrete and bricks while waiting for professional rescue equipment.
Search teams repeatedly stopped work to listen for voices, movement or other signs of people trapped beneath the debris.
In Cali, survivors were reportedly pulled from collapsed structures after rescuers heard responses from people beneath the rubble.
Emergency teams continue to warn that time is critical for people who may still be trapped.
More than 3,000 people were reported missing during the early stages of the disaster, although that figure is expected to change as families reconnect and rescue teams reach previously inaccessible communities.
Hospitals in affected areas have been placed under emergency conditions.
Some patients were moved after hospital buildings suffered damage, while medical teams struggled to treat large numbers of injured residents.
Authorities also imposed curfews in some cities amid concerns about public safety, damaged infrastructure and possible looting.
Several airports in the affected region suspended or restricted operations after the earthquake.
Road damage and communication failures have also complicated efforts to reach isolated communities.
Chocó, near the earthquake’s epicentral area, has been particularly difficult for emergency teams because of limited access and damaged infrastructure.
President Declares Emergency as International Aid Arrives
Newly inaugurated Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared an emergency and promised a large-scale national response.
The earthquake has become the first major crisis of his presidency, coming only days after he took office.
The government has deployed additional police and security personnel to affected cities.
Around 1,000 extra security personnel were ordered to Cali as authorities attempted to protect damaged neighbourhoods and maintain order during rescue operations.
International assistance has also begun to mobilise.
The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance and said it was prepared to support Colombia’s response.
Several regional governments have offered assistance, while the European Union has mobilised satellite capabilities to support assessment and rescue efforts.
Messages of solidarity have arrived from political leaders, international organisations and celebrities.
Colombian singer Shakira was among prominent figures calling for national unity following the disaster.
For families across the affected region, however, the immediate priority remains finding missing relatives.
Rescue teams are continuing to search damaged buildings as officials warn that the confirmed death toll could rise further when more isolated communities are reached.
Authorities have also urged residents to avoid entering damaged buildings because aftershocks could cause weakened structures to collapse.
