Rescue teams are frantically searching through rubble in western Colombia following a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 250 lives, as estimated by local authorities. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake, the strongest in Colombia in many years, struck the heart of the country’s coffee region, causing widespread destruction to buildings and infrastructure.
In the most severely affected areas, rescue operations have been ongoing around the clock, with workers using heavy machinery and even their hands to locate and extract survivors trapped beneath debris. Efforts are focused on saving lives, providing medical aid, and setting up field hospitals, according to Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara.
Official reports stated that 126 people had been confirmed dead and 1,495 injured by Monday night, but updated figures on Tuesday suggest the death toll may be closer to 254, with ongoing rescue operations revealing the true extent of the disaster. Nearly 5,000 homes sustained damage, with numerous buildings collapsing and hundreds of residences destroyed.
The city of Cali witnessed widespread destruction, with parts of buildings collapsing, forcing residents to cook outdoors and seek shelter away from their homes. A hospital in the city also suffered structural damage, leading to patients being treated on the streets. In Pereira, another severely impacted city, residential neighborhoods were left in ruins, prompting residents to form human chains in search of survivors.
The earthquake disrupted essential services, with several airports and roads closed due to damage. Rescue and relief efforts have been hindered by the loss of infrastructure, including electricity, water, and communication services. International aid is being mobilized, with the United States and the Inter-American Development Bank pledging financial assistance for emergency relief and reconstruction.
As authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and casualties, the full impact of the earthquake is yet to be determined, with ongoing challenges in communication and access to the most affected areas.