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Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Rises as Rescuers Search for Survivors Amidst Widespread Destruction

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Rescuers and volunteers are desperately searching for survivors after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 181 people and injuring over 1,300.
  • The earthquake, which occurred more than 24 hours ago, caused widespread destruction, collapsing dozens of buildings in major cities like Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó.
  • The epicenter was near San José del Palmar in Chocó, a region facing access challenges due to damaged roads, while Cali reports the highest death toll with 95 fatalities.

Rescuers and volunteers are engaged in a desperate search for survivors following Colombia's deadliest earthquake this century. The magnitude 7.4 tremor, which struck more than 24 hours ago, has claimed at least 181 lives, left over 1,300 injured, and caused the collapse of dozens of buildings across western Colombia.

We are trying to clear the debris because all the lottery vendors were here.

— Juana MarínA resident describes the search for survivors in Pereira.

Major cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó bear scenes of devastation. In Pereira, located in the Eje Cafetero region, at least 72 people have died, and the city is largely without electricity. Juana Marín, a 25-year-old searching for lottery vendors in a damaged area near Pereira's main square, described the scene: "We are trying to clear the debris because all the lottery vendors were here."

The earthquake's epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region, an area that is difficult to access due to road damage, according to the International Red Cross. Wilmer Cuesta, a law student assisting in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, recounted the chaos: "I saw people coming out naked, people throwing themselves from their houses... desperate."

I saw people coming out naked, people throwing themselves from their houses (...) desperate.

— Wilmer CuestaA student recounts the immediate aftermath of the earthquake in Quibdó.

Nubia Carolina Córdoba, the governor of Chocó, reported at least 14 deaths in the region, primarily in Quibdó, with four people still missing. In Cali, the hardest-hit city with 95 fatalities according to local authorities, Mayor Alejandro Eder declared a curfew and described the night as "a very tough night, a nightmare." He added, "It is a moment of great pain. It is a test that we did not expect. But if we work together, I am sure we will get through this."

A very tough night, a nightmare.

— Alejandro EderThe mayor of Cali described the difficult night following the earthquake.

The disaster evokes memories of the devastating 1999 earthquake that killed nearly 1,200 people in the coffee-growing region. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office on August 7, has declared a state of emergency to coordinate rescue efforts. Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow over the catastrophe, offering prayers for the victims.

It is a moment of great pain. It is a test that we did not expect. But if we work together, I am sure we will get through this.

— Alejandro EderThe mayor of Cali expressed solidarity and hope for recovery.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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