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Rescue teams in Colombia are urgently working to locate survivors amid the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake that has claimed over 180 lives and left many more missing. The 7.4 magnitude quake struck on Monday morning, predominantly affecting the cities of Cali and Pereira, with tremors felt across a vast area of western Colombia. As the nation grapples with this disaster, officials are reporting ongoing aftershocks and a rapidly increasing casualty count.
Overview of the Earthquake’s Impact
The earthquake hit at 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT), sending shockwaves through communities and leading to widespread destruction. The official death toll stands at 181, but estimates from local authorities suggest the figure could exceed 240. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency to facilitate rescue operations and mobilise resources for affected areas.
In a press briefing from Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities, President Espriella revealed that nearly 2,600 individuals have sustained injuries, with around 200 people still unaccounted for. The earthquake has devastated infrastructure, with reports indicating that over 1,100 homes have been destroyed and more than 8,000 have suffered significant damage.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
As rescue efforts intensify, many residents have opted to sleep outdoors in cities like Pereira and Cali, either due to the perilous condition of their homes or the fear of additional collapses. The city of Cali, home to roughly 2.2 million people, has reported 95 fatalities and has established a command centre to coordinate the emergency response. Mayor Alejandro Eder announced that 239 individuals remain trapped, with 949 injured and at least 45 buildings either partially or fully collapsed, including critical medical facilities.
In a tragic incident in the Calima neighbourhood of Cali, four children lost their lives when a section of Gimnasio Calima school collapsed. The local mayor, Antonio Cadavid, confirmed that several other children were seriously injured, with 30 requiring urgent medical attention.
Aftershocks and Continued Threats
Further tremors continued to rattle the region on Tuesday, with Colombia’s geological service reporting over 70 aftershocks since the initial quake, including two moderate quakes of magnitude 3.6. In Pereira alone, 79 fatalities have been confirmed, prompting the city to implement a car-free day to facilitate rescue operations. Volunteers have joined the effort, demonstrating solidarity as they work tirelessly to clear debris and assist those in need.
Residents have described the chaos and fear that followed the quake. A local from the Parque Industrial neighbourhood expressed the overwhelming shock experienced in the city, stating, “It’s impossible to get around the city centre… We’re all in shock. It was really awful.”
International Support and Solidarity
The global community has begun to extend its support to Colombia in the wake of this disaster. The United Nations, through a spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres, has expressed solidarity with the Colombian people and pledged assistance to the government’s rescue efforts. Meanwhile, Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, reported that 164 Spaniards were still unaccounted for, though no injuries or fatalities among Spanish citizens have been confirmed.
In a notable gesture of support, the administration of former President Donald Trump announced a donation of $15.5 million (£11.5 million) to aid relief efforts. Assistance has also been offered by neighbouring countries such as Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela.
Why it Matters
The earthquake in Colombia serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in the face of natural disasters. The swift international response and the remarkable solidarity exhibited by citizens and governments alike underscore the importance of collective action in times of crisis. As Colombia navigates the aftermath of this tragedy, the resilience of its people and the support from the global community will be crucial in rebuilding lives and restoring hope in the affected regions.
