Colombia: At least 132 people have been killed, and more than 570 injured after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, August 10. Rescue teams are continuing operations as authorities assess the extent of the destruction.
The earthquake was centred near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, around 400 kilometres west of Bogotá. The powerful tremors were felt across a wide area, damaging homes, public buildings and infrastructure.
Several areas, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales, reported significant damage. More than 1,500 buildings have reportedly been affected, while some structures collapsed completely. Rescue workers and local residents have been searching through the rubble for survivors.
Emergency services have been working to provide medical treatment to the injured and assist families who have lost their homes. Damaged roads and difficult terrain in some areas have made rescue and assessment operations more challenging.
Colombian authorities have declared an emergency and mobilised additional resources for rescue and relief efforts. Aftershocks have also been reported, raising concerns about buildings already weakened by the main earthquake.
With search-and-rescue operations still continuing, officials have warned that the death toll could rise as emergency teams reach more affected areas. Authorities are expected to provide further updates on casualties, missing people and the extent of the damage.
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