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.
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing extensive damage across several major cities. The Colombian Association of Capital Cities reported 169 confirmed deaths and 668 injuries. The worst-affected cities were Cali, with 85 fatalities, and Pereira, with 66. Over 3,000 people remain missing, many feared trapped in collapsed buildings.
Around 1,600 structures were damaged or destroyed. Rescuers and volunteers are working tirelessly to clear debris, transport volunteers, and provide aid. The epicenter was in Colombia's poorest and most remote region, with many areas only accessible by boat, plane, or jungle routes. The deep depth of the quake, combined with its magnitude and local geological effects, made it particularly devastating.
International aid has poured in, with the U.S. offering $15.5 million and the EU activating its Copernicus satellite service.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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