Colombia earthquake death toll crosses 250
The death toll from a powerful earthquake in western Colombia has crossed 250 as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings for survivors.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s coffee-growing region early Monday. It caused widespread destruction across several cities and surrounding areas.
Local authorities reported that at least 254 people had died by Tuesday morning. Pereira recorded 101 deaths, while 95 fatalities were reported in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city.
Rescue workers have been operating around the clock in the worst-hit areas. They are using cranes, excavators and heavy machinery to remove huge sections of concrete.
In some locations, rescuers have been forced to work with their hands. Volunteers have also joined the search, forming human chains to move debris away from collapsed structures.
Families have gathered near damaged buildings while waiting for news of relatives who may still be trapped. Rescue workers have reported finding both survivors and bodies beneath the rubble.
The earthquake severely damaged homes, apartment buildings, schools and medical facilities. Some structures were completely destroyed, while others were left unstable and unsafe for residents.
Cali suffered major damage. Several upper floors of a hospital collapsed, including areas used for paediatric treatment. Hospital officials said some patients became trapped, while hundreds of others were treated outside the damaged facility.
The city’s morgue reached capacity as authorities continued bringing in victims from affected areas. Medical and emergency services have been working under difficult conditions.
The United Nations humanitarian office estimated that around 5,000 homes had been damaged. Dozens of buildings collapsed, while hundreds of other residences were destroyed or seriously affected.
The earthquake also disrupted essential infrastructure. Electricity, water supplies, healthcare services and telecommunications were affected in several areas.
Authorities also closed six airports because of damage. Roads were damaged in multiple locations, creating additional difficulties for rescue teams and the delivery of emergency supplies.
The region near the epicentre has faced particularly severe disruption. Poor communications have made it difficult for authorities to assess the full scale of the disaster.
Nearly 100 aftershocks were recorded by Tuesday morning. Officials have warned residents and rescue workers to remain cautious as damaged buildings could collapse during further tremors.
President Abelardo De La Espriella visited the affected region and announced a three-month economic relief measure for residents of Risaralda. The government said the initiative was intended to support people and businesses affected by the disaster.
International assistance has also begun. The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency support for shelter, food, protection and damage assessments.
The Inter-American Development Bank said $50 million could immediately be made available for reconstruction support if requested by the Colombian government.
The United Nations said it was expanding its presence in the affected region to support humanitarian operations.
Officials cautioned that the final death toll and overall scale of the destruction could take several days to establish because communications remain disrupted in some of the hardest-hit areas.
