Earthquake in Colombia: 181 deaths officially confirmed
In Colombia, rescue workers continue to search for people trapped under the rubble following Monday’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake. The deaths of 181 people have been officially confirmed, with the highest number of casualties in the cities of Cali and Pereira, according to BBC News. At the same time, data compiled by local officials indicate that the death toll may exceed 240.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Esprieylla stated that nearly 2,600 people were injured, and nearly 200 more are considered missing. According to him, more than 1,100 homes were destroyed, and more than 8,000 were damaged. The president declared a state of emergency in the country.
The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time and was felt across much of western Colombia. The country’s Geological Survey reported that more than 70 aftershocks were recorded following the main quake. On Tuesday morning, two earthquakes with a magnitude of 3.6 struck—in San José del Palmar and Santander.
In Cali, where 95 people died, a coordination center was set up for the rescue operation. Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that 239 people remained trapped under the rubble, 949 were injured, and 45 buildings had collapsed completely or partially. In one of the city’s hospitals, several upper floors collapsed, including the pediatric ward, trapping some patients.
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In the Calima district in northern Cali, four children died when part of the Gimnasio Calima school collapsed. According to the mayor of the municipality, Antonio Cadavida, a total of 30 children were taken to medical facilities, some of whom were seriously injured. He also ordered a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday due to the threat of looting.
In Pereira, according to the fire department, 79 people were killed. The city declared a car-free day to facilitate search and rescue efforts, and hundreds of volunteers joined in clearing the rubble. In Manizales, five deaths were reported, along with 60 buildings that partially or completely collapsed.
The UN, Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela have offered assistance to Colombia. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced $15.5 million in aid for Colombia. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that 164 Spanish citizens in Colombia are considered missing, though there are no reports of any Spanish nationals killed or injured.
