Colombia Earthquake Claims 254 Lives, Rescue Efforts Ongoing

On Tuesday, a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, primarily affecting the coffee-growing regions. The quake, the most destructive in Colombia this century, resulted in a death toll of 254, with 101 fatalities reported in Pereira and 95 in Cali.

Rescue crews worked tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under rubble, employing cranes, excavators, and human chains. In Cali, a woman was rescued from the Torres del Limonar apartment complex, while the city's morgue reached capacity.

Thousands were left homeless, and damaged infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, complicated emergency response efforts. Communities near the epicenter in Choco faced severe shortages of electricity, water, and medical supplies.

Community leader Andres Caicedo described the dire conditions in Sipi. The earthquake triggered over 100 aftershocks, forcing many survivors to remain outdoors.

President Abelardo De La Espriella visited affected areas and promised economic support for families who lost their homes.