Colombia quake: Over 2k missing; flights disrupted, 21 aftershocks - top developments

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 132 deaths and over 570 injuries. The disaster prompted concerns about missing individuals, with more than 2,000 people listed as missing across digital databases, primarily from Cali and Pereira. Pereira, a city of approximately 500,000 inhabitants, bore the brunt of the earthquake, suffering 60 fatalities, and experienced significant damage to residential buildings, health centers, and schools.

The tremors were felt across Colombia, including the capital Bogota, where people evacuated buildings in response to alarms. President Gustavo Petro visited Pereira to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. The quake triggered around 21 aftershocks, with US Geological Survey recording it near San Jose del Palmar in Colombia’s Choco region at a depth of 107 kilometers.

Air travel in western Colombia was disrupted as several airports were closed or restricted for inspections, hindering rescue operations in remote areas. US aid of $15.5 million was pledged for shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments.