Colombia earthquake death toll rises, thousands missing

Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing in western Colombia following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Monday. Thousands are missing, and many are feared trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings. Officials have confirmed at least 179 fatalities across four departments, including Cali, Pereira, Chocó, and Manizales. Approximately 1,600 structures have been reported damaged or destroyed.

Soldiers, rescuers, and desperate families are sifting through the rubble by hand, passing concrete fragments along lines of volunteers. The Chocó region, near the earthquake's epicenter, is one of Colombia's poorest and most neglected areas, often affected by armed conflict. Much of Chocó is accessible only by boat, jungle trails, or air, making damage assessment difficult.

Colombia's new president, Abelardo De la Espriela, who took office just days ago, traveled to Chocó's capital, Quibdó. He announced the mobilization of military and police resources, including engineers, rescuers, and search dogs. Families are using citizen-run websites to share information about missing relatives.

In El Caimito, a town of 7,000 residents, local authorities reported that 80% of the buildings, constructed from wood and mud, were damaged. The earthquake's impact is particularly devastating for residents already affected by two earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela in late June, which destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed over 6,300 people.

Pereira, a city of half a million, reported at least 58 building collapses, while Cali, with 2.5 million residents, saw at least 40 buildings fall. Both cities implemented curfews to prevent looting and restricted private vehicle movement to facilitate emergency services. The U.S. State Department pledged $15.5 million for shelter, food, and other aid, with governments across Latin America also announcing support.

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mobilized the entire military and police apparatus