Rescue teams in western Colombia are frantically searching for survivors following a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 250 lives, as estimated by local authorities. The 7.4-magnitude quake, the strongest in decades to hit Colombia, wreaked havoc in the country’s coffee-producing region, causing widespread destruction to buildings and infrastructure.
Efforts to locate trapped individuals continued throughout the night in severely impacted areas, with rescue workers employing various tools and methods, including manual labor, to extract survivors from the debris. Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara emphasized the immediate focus on saving lives and ensuring the timely arrival of rescue teams, medical supplies, and field hospitals.
Initial reports indicated 126 confirmed fatalities and 1,495 injuries, but updated figures suggested a higher death toll of around 254, underscoring the ongoing crisis as recovery operations progress. Thousands of homes sustained damage, with numerous structures collapsing or being severely compromised, according to the United Nations humanitarian office OCHA.
Communities, such as Cali and Pereira, witnessed scenes of devastation and resilience, with residents banding together to support one another amidst the chaos. The earthquake disrupted essential services, leading to airport closures and road disruptions, further complicating the rescue and relief efforts.
International aid, including financial support from the United States and the Inter-American Development Bank, was mobilized to assist in the response and recovery phases. Despite challenges in communication and access to affected areas, authorities warned that assessing the full extent of the damage and confirming the final death toll may require additional time.