Catastrophic earthquake strikes western Colombia
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, triggering widespread destruction and a major humanitarian crisis. Official reports confirm at least 254 fatalities, with 101 deaths recorded in Pereira and 95 in Cali. Estimates suggest that over 1,000 people have been injured, while thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed. The UN humanitarian office, OCHA, indicates that approximately 5,000 houses sustained damage.
Rescue operations are currently in a critical phase as search teams race against time to locate survivors beneath the rubble. In a successful operation in Cali, a 31-year-old woman was pulled alive from a collapsed five-story building after 30 hours of entrapment, and an infant was also recovered. While President Abelardo de la Espriella reported at least 195 missing persons, other estimates suggest the figure may exceed 3,800. The Geological Service has recorded over 70 aftershocks, further complicating search efforts.
Rescue teams remain on-site in the worst-hit areas, navigating complex debris fields to reach those still trapped. Authorities continue to monitor the status of survivors rescued from the ruins, while families wait for news of their relatives amidst ongoing efforts to manage the disaster response.