Monday’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake, centered in Colombia’s western region, has triggered a desperate race against time to rescue survivors trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings and under the shifting ground. As of Wednesday, the death toll has surpassed 180, with the official number potentially exceeding 240, a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by the seismic event. The quake struck at 07:34 GMT, stretching for hundreds of miles across western Colombia, and was immediately followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, adding to the already immense challenge.
The initial reports indicate that over 180 people have been confirmed dead, with the majority concentrated in the cities of Cali and Pereira, the most heavily impacted areas. While the official death toll remains at 181, an aggregated figure from local officials suggests a significantly higher number, potentially reaching over 240. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency, and the government has launched a massive rescue operation, deploying hundreds of volunteers and coordinating with international aid organizations. The affected areas are experiencing widespread destruction, with over 2,600 people injured and nearly 200 still missing.
The earthquake has also triggered widespread damage across the country, with dozens of buildings collapsing, further complicating rescue efforts. Several hospitals, including a dedicated pediatric center in Cali, have suffered significant damage, with a considerable number of patients trapped within their facilities. In Pereira, a particularly devastating event occurred when a section of the Gimnasio Calima school collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four children. The city’s fire department has reported 79 deaths, with a total of 30 children injured and a significant number of buildings damaged or completely destroyed.
Overnight, several people spent the night outdoors in cities like Pereira and Cali, seeking refuge from the tremors and collapsing structures. The Colombian Geological Service has reported two earlier earthquakes of magnitude 3.6, with the first occurring in San José del Palmar and the second in Santander, adding to the unsettling pattern of seismic activity across the nation. The damage has been felt in numerous areas, with a significant number of buildings partially or completely collapsing.
As the search and rescue teams continue their efforts, authorities have ordered a curfew, extending from 20:00 to 06:00 on Wednesday, to allow for a focused response to the crisis. The international community is offering its support, with Spain, Ecuador, Brazil, and Venezuela pledging financial aid and assistance. A UN spokesperson has emphasized the solidarity with Colombia, stating that the government is working to support the government’s response to the unfolding situation. The Donald Trump administration has announced a $15.5 million donation to Colombia, highlighting the global concern for the country.
Footage from the city of Pereira shows the massive scale of the rescue operation, with hundreds of volunteers working tirelessly to remove rubble and rescue trapped survivors. The area is also marred by the sight of buses and trucks trapped, and the fear of further collapses is prevalent among residents. Jorge Eduardo Rojas, Mayor of Manizales, confirmed that five people had been killed in the city, while 60 buildings had partially or totally collapsed, signaling the severity of the damage. The situation continues to deteriorate with continued aftershocks reported across the country, and the risk of further collapse remains a significant concern. The focus remains on finding survivors amidst the rubble and ensuring the safety of those affected.
The situation is being closely monitored by international observers and humanitarian organizations, with the focus on coordinating rescue efforts, providing essential supplies, and offering psychological support to those impacted by the disaster.
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Source: BBC News
