Bogota: The death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to 224, as rescue teams continue digging through collapsed buildings in a desperate search for survivors.
The earthquake struck early Monday and caused widespread destruction across parts of western Colombia, particularly in the country’s coffee growing region. Rescue workers are using heavy machinery, search dogs, drones and thermal cameras to locate people who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Officials have stressed that there is still a “window of time” to rescue people alive, with emergency teams working around the clock.
Major Damage Across Western Colombia
- The earthquake caused buildings to collapse or suffer serious structural damage in several cities, including Cali and Pereira. Homes, apartment buildings, schools and hospitals were among the structures affected.
- At least 5,000 homes have reportedly been damaged, while essential infrastructure has also been disrupted. Six airports were temporarily shut down for safety inspections, while electricity, water and communication services were affected in several areas.
- Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety outdoors because of fears of further structural collapses and aftershocks.
Rescue Operations Continue
- Emergency crews are facing a race against time as they search through collapsed buildings. Rescuers are carefully removing concrete and debris to avoid causing further collapses and to reach people who may still be alive underneath.
- Officials say every hour is important. The possibility of finding survivors remains as rescue workers continue searching buildings and areas where people are believed to be trapped.
- A man was reportedly rescued alive from the rubble nearly 24 hours after the earthquake, highlighting the possibility that other survivors could still be found.
Communications Hamper Relief Efforts
- The full scale of the disaster is still being assessed because some of the worst hit areas are difficult to reach and communication networks have been disrupted.
- Emergency authorities are working to restore essential services and reach communities that have been cut off or isolated.
- The Colombian government has mobilised emergency resources for rescue, medical treatment and relief operations. International assistance has also been offered, including financial support from the United States and the Inter American Development Bank.
Death Toll Could Rise Further
- Authorities have warned that the number of deaths could increase as rescue teams reach more damaged buildings and remote communities.
- The casualty figures have changed rapidly since the earthquake struck, and officials are continuing to verify reports from different regions.
- For now, the priority remains finding survivors, treating the injured, providing shelter and restoring essential services.
