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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 265; Hundreds Still Missing

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia has risen to 265, with 3,494 injured and 496 missing.
  • President Abelardo de la Espriella stated that 53,816 people from 25,872 families have been affected by the earthquake.
  • The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes, buildings, educational institutions, and infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and airports.

The devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia earlier this week has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with the death toll climbing to 265 people. In addition to the fatalities, 3,494 individuals have been injured, and a significant number of 496 people remain missing.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella confirmed the grim statistics, stating that the earthquake has impacted 53,816 people across 25,872 families. "Unfortunately, 265 people have died, 3,494 people have been injured, and the number of missing persons has drastically increased to 496," de la Espriella announced in a televised statement on Caracol, as reported by Sputnik.

The immediate focus of rescue efforts is on locating the missing individuals. Prior to the president's statement, the association of Colombian regional capitals had reported 241 deaths, 1,762 injuries, and 279 missing persons. The scale of the disaster has become increasingly apparent as more information emerges.

Unfortunately, 265 people have died, 3,494 people have been injured, and the number of missing persons has drastically increased to 496.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaPresident of Colombia, confirming the latest casualty figures from the earthquake.

The earthquake has caused widespread destruction, damaging 53,816 homes and 140 buildings. Critical infrastructure has also been severely affected, with 1,819 educational institutions, 631 community centers, and 179 health facilities sustaining damage. Furthermore, 20 toll bridges, 203 road sections, 44 water supply installations, and five airports were impacted, highlighting the extensive disruption to daily life and essential services.

The powerful earthquake struck Colombia on the morning of August 10, with its epicenter located in the Choco region. The tremors were felt across nearly all of Colombia and in several neighboring countries, underscoring the seismic event's broad reach. The government is mobilizing resources to address the ongoing crisis and support affected communities.

Our efforts are currently focused on searching for those who are missing.

— Abelardo de la EspriellaPresident of Colombia, outlining the immediate priorities following the earthquake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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