Agencies | Bogota:
The death toll from a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to 224, with more than 900 people reported injured and over 3,000 still missing, according to the latest reports.
The earthquake, which struck on Monday morning, caused widespread destruction across several parts of the country, particularly in the western cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdó. More than 1,500 homes have reportedly been damaged or destroyed, while dozens of buildings collapsed or were left structurally unsafe.
Rescue operations entered a second day on Tuesday as emergency teams, assisted by soldiers, police personnel and volunteers, continued searching through collapsed structures for survivors. In several locations, rescuers were forced to work through the night, using heavy machinery as well as their hands to clear rubble.
The earthquake struck at around 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó region. The quake occurred at considerable depth, but its powerful shaking was felt across a wide area and caused extensive damage in the country’s coffee-growing region.
Cali, Pereira Among Worst-Hit Cities
Cali has emerged as one of the worst-affected cities, with dozens of buildings reportedly collapsing and thousands of homes damaged. Emergency teams have been working to assess damaged structures and search for people who may remain trapped beneath the rubble.
A hospital in Cali was also affected, with parts of the building, including areas housing paediatric facilities, reportedly collapsing. The damage forced hundreds of patients to receive treatment outside the facility as authorities assessed the safety of the building.
In Pereira, at least 66 people have been reported dead, while several residential areas suffered extensive damage. The city’s airport was also affected, with footage showing violent shaking and portions of its ceiling collapsing during the earthquake.
Manizales and Quibdó also reported deaths and significant structural damage, while authorities continued assessing the situation in remote areas where access has been hampered by damaged roads and disrupted communications.
Thousands Still Missing
The large number of people reported missing has intensified the pressure on rescue teams, with authorities warning that casualty figures could change as emergency personnel gain access to areas that remain difficult to reach.
Rescuers have been searching collapsed buildings with excavators, sniffer dogs and other equipment. Volunteers and local residents have also joined the efforts, particularly in areas where professional rescue teams have faced difficulties reaching affected communities.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from damaged structures because of the risk of further collapses and aftershocks.
Strong Tremors Felt Beyond Colombia
The earthquake’s tremors were also felt in neighbouring countries, including Venezuela. The disaster has renewed concerns across the region following powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this year.
Venezuela was hit by two major earthquakes on June 24, with the first measuring 7.2 magnitude and another, stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurring shortly afterwards near the country’s northern coast, west of Caracas.
The latest disaster has also revived memories of Colombia’s devastating 1999 earthquake, which struck the country’s coffee-growing region and caused massive loss of life and destruction.
Rescue Efforts Continue
With thousands of people still unaccounted for, the immediate priority for Colombian authorities remains search and rescue. Emergency services are working around the clock to locate survivors, provide medical assistance to the injured and establish the scale of destruction.
The government has mobilised security forces and emergency personnel to assist rescue operations and maintain order in affected areas.
As the search continues, officials and rescue workers face a race against time to reach people who may still be trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities have cautioned that the death toll and damage estimates could continue to rise as teams reach more affected areas.
The earthquake has emerged as one of Colombia’s most devastating seismic disasters in recent decades, leaving communities across the country’s western region facing a major humanitarian and reconstruction challenge.
