At least 254 deaths have been confirmed as of Wednesday evening, marking a grim toll following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, October 12th, 2023. The quake, centered in the Valle de Cauca province, has triggered a massive response from rescue teams and humanitarian organizations, quickly overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster. The quake, which struck at 7:34 AM (12:34 GMT) on Monday, has caused at least 254 deaths nationwide, with the majority concentrated in the cities of Pereira and Cali, according to government figures. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported over 5,000 homes damaged, with several fully collapsed residential buildings, highlighting the widespread impact of the seismic event. Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, has suffered at least 95 fatalities, while dozens of buildings, including several residential complexes, have entirely collapsed. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Cali, triggering immediate evacuations and a surge in rescue operations. The Colombian military has deployed personnel to assist with the search and recovery efforts, utilizing heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and heavy-duty trucks. Thousands of volunteers are working tirelessly to clear debris and locate survivors amidst the rubble. The initial assessment indicates that the devastation extends far beyond the immediate vicinity of the epicenter, with significant damage to infrastructure throughout the region. The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, and authorities have mobilized resources from across the country to provide aid. The scale of the disaster is particularly acute in Cali, where at least 95 people perished, and several residential buildings have collapsed entirely. A significant number of volunteers, including rescue workers, medical personnel, and local residents, are working tirelessly to clear debris, providing aid to survivors, and conducting initial assessments. The rescue operation has been hampered by the sheer volume of debris and the challenging terrain, particularly in the southern districts of Cali, where many survivors remain trapped under the rubble. The Colombian President, Abelardo de la Espriella, has pledged full support, announcing a ‘militarisation’ of the city and imposing a curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM, with the exception of rescue teams, medical staff, and essential workers. Initial reports suggest that over 17 children are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, and the search for survivors continues with significant resources dedicated to this task. The incident has already resulted in a significant increase in crime rates, with reports of looting in the affected areas, prompting the government to announce a curfew and increase security patrols. Prior to the earthquake, Cali was estimated to account for over 8% of Colombia’s homicide rates, with 1,067 recorded in the past year. The mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, has stated that the city’s response must prioritize the safety of its residents. A major aftershock occurred on Tuesday morning, triggering a significant earthquake siren across the region, further exacerbating the situation. Several residents have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas, while others remain in the affected area, attempting to retrieve valuables from their damaged properties. The Colombian military is providing support from other regions, with firefighters and rescue teams arriving from major cities like Bogota and Medellin. The situation remains fluid, with rescue efforts continuing with a focus on locating and rescuing survivors. The government has also launched a coordinated effort to distribute aid to affected communities, including food, water, and medical supplies. The long-term recovery process will be complex, requiring significant resources and a sustained commitment to rebuilding the affected areas. The earthquake has also raised concerns about the potential for increased crime, particularly in areas with a history of high rates of violence, and the government is working to address these issues. The incident has also highlighted the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region, and officials are assessing the damage to roads, bridges, and other key transportation links.
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Source: Al Jazeera
