‘Like a city of zombies’: 166 dead, thousands missing after devastating Colombia earthquake
The 7.4-magnitude quake devastated Cali and Pereira, leaving hundreds injured and thousands unaccounted for as rescuers formed human chains, silenced crowds to listen for survivors and searched collapsed buildings through the nigh
In Colombia, rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate survivors in the aftermath of a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country's west and center on Monday. The official death toll rose to 166, with over 570 injured and more than 2,700 people still missing. More than 1,500 buildings collapsed, with dozens collapsing completely, leaving thousands homeless.
Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, bore the brunt of the damage, with at least 85 deaths reported. In Cali, volunteers used bare hands and human chains to clear debris, forming chains to access buildings and raising their hands to signal quiet while hoping for cries for help from trapped individuals. Rescue workers said they needed flashlights and goggles due to the dust to continue night operations.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and flew to the epicenter in Chocó, pledging to lead a coordinated rescue operation. The earthquake's epicenter was at a depth of 96 kilometers in San José del Palmar, about 400 kilometers west of Bogotá. Though no significant damage occurred in Colombia's capital, buildings shook in the nation's capital and residents fled in panic.
Significant damage was caused to seven airports, suspending their operations. Aftershocks continued to hit Colombia, adding to the rescue efforts and reinforcing the fear among the affected population.
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