Colombia quake death toll tops 250 as rescuers race to find survivors
dpa/AgenciesRio de JaneiroRescue crews dug through mountains of shattered concrete in western Colombia on Tuesday, racing to find survivors after a powerful earthquake killed more...
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, killing over 250 people and leaving thousands injured, missing, and trapped under rubble. The quake, the strongest to hit the South American country in decades, tore through the coffee-growing heartland, causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Rescue crews raced to find survivors amidst the shattered concrete, with families waiting anxiously nearby. At least 2,595 were injured, and over 3,000 people reported missing. More than 1,100 residential homes and 48 buildings collapsed completely, while 8,300 residential buildings were damaged. The death toll is expected to rise further as rescue efforts continue.
The quake occurred at a depth of around 103 kilometers, with numerous aftershocks felt in nearby cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Popayán, and Armenia. The Colombian president, backed by US President Donald Trump, visited several affected cities in the wake of the disaster.
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