Colombia earthquake: Rescuers race to find thousands missing
Thousands remain unaccounted for, with many buried under rubble and rescuers yet to reach more isolated communities. The true scale of the destruction is emerging only slowly, with the death toll likely to rise steeply.
On Tuesday, rescuers and volunteers raced against time to locate thousands of people reported missing after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday. The quake caused widespread destruction in several major cities, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo and Buenaventura. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella reported at least 181 fatalities and 2,595 injuries, but civilian-run databases indicate at least 3,900 people remain unaccounted for.
The epicenter was near the impoverished and isolated region of Choco, where access to remote areas is limited, making the full scope of the disaster difficult to assess. Around 1,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed, with at least 165 collapsing entirely in the hardest-hit cities. Hospitals, airports, water systems and transportation networks suffered significant damage, further complicating rescue efforts.
International aid poured in, with the United States pledging $15.5 million and the European Union deploying resources, including satellite imagery and €100,000 in immediate assistance. Geologists noted the unusual depth of the quake, combined with its magnitude and local amplification effects, made it a complex event that required close study.
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