7.4-Magnitude Quake Devastates Western Colombia: Over 3,900 Injured, Rescue Efforts Continue

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA :The death toll from the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, Aug 10 has risen to 281, with 379 people still reported missing. 

What Happened:

The quake struck shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time, with the epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó region. It was the worst earthquake to hit Colombia this century. 

The tremors toppled apartment blocks, damaged homes, schools, hospitals, and bridges. Around 1,600 buildings across the region have been reported damaged or collapsed. The quake was felt in 9 departments and all 32 departmental capitals, and also in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. 

Most affected cities:

Cali- Colombia's third-largest city

Pereira - in the coffee region

Chocó- near the epicenter and one of Colombia’s poorest regions 62f6511b

Casualties & Rescue Efforts:

Death toll: At least 281 people killed

Injured: More than 3,900

Missing: 379 people still reported missing 62f6

As the crucial 72-hour survival window closes, rescue crews in Cali have shifted from search and rescue to debris removal. 

David Tamayo, head of Colombia's National Disaster Risk Management, said: "Unfortunately, we are reaching a point where the likelihood of finding survivors is dwindling, but our mission is to keep searching".

Government Response:

Newly inaugurated President Abelardo De la Espriella declared a national disaster and said the government will focus efforts on the missing. The government said it will only accept rescue teams from 4 countries: US, El Salvador, Ecuador and Israel. The Trump administration has committed $15.5 million in relief for shelter, food and assessments. 

Early reports varied, with tolls earlier at 111 and 224. The latest official government data stands at 281 dead and 379 missing.