132 people have died in Colombia as a result of an earthquake; search and rescue operations are ongoing
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on the morning of August 10. As of the morning of August 11, at least 132 people had died as a result of the disaster, and about 570 more were injured. Rescue operations are ongoing, so the death toll may rise.
The earthquake struck at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time.
The epicenter was located near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, approximately 400 km west of Bogotá. The tremors were felt across much of the country, including the capital.
The most severe damage was reported in the western part of the country. Among the hardest-hit cities are Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales. The effects of the disaster were also felt in Armenia and other towns in the region.
In Cali, dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries have been confirmed. Buildings in the city were damaged, including medical facilities. Some people were trapped under rubble after structures collapsed.
In Pereira, rescue workers were operating at the sites of the collapses where people might have been trapped. Manizales also suffered significant damage and loss of life.
According to the Associated Press, more than 1,600 buildings were damaged in Colombia, at least 61 of which were completely destroyed.
The death toll rose rapidly after the earthquake. Initially, authorities reported dozens of victims, but as the rubble was cleared, the death toll exceeded 100.
Currently, 132 people are confirmed dead and about 570 injured. Among the victims are people who were injured when buildings collapsed and debris fell.
Rescue workers continue to search for people who may still be trapped under the rubble.
The earthquake caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure. Hospitals and other critical facilities were damaged, and at one medical facility, people were trapped under the rubble after the structure collapsed.
In addition, several airports in western Colombia have been temporarily closed to assess the condition of buildings and runway infrastructure. This has complicated transportation and the work of rescue services.
In some cities, authorities have imposed a curfew, in part due to the risk of looting and the need to ensure that rescue workers can operate unimpeded.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing around the clock. Specialists are clearing debris by hand and with the help of specialized equipment, and search teams and cranes are being used to locate people.
The situation is particularly dire in the remote areas of the Chocó department. Due to the rugged terrain and communication problems, rescue workers are having difficulty quickly assessing the extent of the damage.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Esprieylla has declared a state of emergency, which should allow the government to more quickly direct resources toward rescuing people and addressing the aftermath of the disaster.
For the head of state, who took office just a few days ago, this massive earthquake has become the first serious test for his administration.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake is already being called the strongest in Colombia in the 21st century.
Seismologists are warning of the possibility of further aftershocks. According to Reuters, at least 21 aftershocks have already been recorded following the main quake.
Meanwhile, the international community has begun providing aid to Colombia. The U.S. announced $15.5 million in aid, and other countries have also offered support to the affected nation.
This was reported by Reuters.
Earlier reports indicated that 111 people were killed as a result of the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday morning. Another 87 people were injured, according to the country’s president, Abelardo de la Esprieylla.
