The death toll from the earthquake in Colombia has risen to 254
The death toll from the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to at least 254. Rescue workers are continuing search operations and clearing debris in the affected areas.
The devastating natural disaster struck densely populated cities in the coffee-growing region, particularly Pereira and Cali. In Pereira, 101 deaths have been confirmed, while in Cali, the death toll has reached 95. The tremors caused significant damage to high-rise buildings, schools, and medical facilities, leaving thousands of local residents homeless.
In Cali, emergency services and hundreds of volunteers continue to clear the rubble. Rescuers managed to pull a woman alive from the collapsed Torres del Limonar residential complex, an act met with cheers. However, the situation remains critical: the city morgue is already overflowing, and bodies of the deceased continue to be found on the streets. A dire situation is also unfolding in the forested Chocó region near the epicenter, where rescue operations remain difficult due to a lack of electricity and communications, as well as the threat posed by armed groups.
The tragedy occurred just a few days after the inauguration of the country’s new president, Abelardo De La Esprieya. The head of state personally visited the affected regions and promised to provide comprehensive government support to all those who lost their property. Due to ongoing communication problems in remote areas, officials note that the final death toll and number of injured will be clarified over the next few days.
Source: Reuters
As a reminder, 169 people were killed and more than 3,000 are missing in Colombia following the earthquake.
