Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 250
Rescue crews raced through western Colombia Tuesday after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed more than 250 people and caused widespread destruction across the country’s coffee-growing region.
The earthquake struck early Monday and heavily damaged communities in Risaralda, Cali and areas near the epicenter in Chocó. Local authorities reported 254 deaths Tuesday morning, including 101 fatalities in Pereira and 95 in Cali. Officials warned that the number could increase as emergency workers reach remote areas and search collapsed buildings.
Rescuers spent the night digging through concrete, twisted metal and debris in hopes of finding survivors. Crews used cranes and excavators while volunteers formed human chains to move rubble. Some rescuers also searched through the wreckage with their bare hands.
Nearly 100 aftershocks shook the region by Tuesday morning, creating additional dangers for residents and emergency workers.
The earthquake also severely damaged hospitals and other critical infrastructure. In Cali, parts of a hospital collapsed, trapping patients and forcing medical workers to treat hundreds of people outside. The city’s morgue reached capacity as officials continued to recover victims.
The disaster disrupted electricity, water, health services and phone networks across several communities. Authorities also closed six airports because of earthquake damage, while numerous roads suffered damage that complicated rescue and relief operations.
The United Nations estimated that the earthquake damaged about 5,000 homes. Many buildings collapsed completely, while others suffered major structural damage.
President Abelardo De La Espriella announced a three-month economic relief program for residents and businesses in Risaralda. The United States also committed $15.5 million for emergency shelter, food, protection and damage assessments. The Inter-American Development Bank offered another $50 million for reconstruction if Colombia requests the funds.
Officials expect rescue operations and damage assessments to continue for days as crews search for missing people and work to restore essential services.
