Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 329

The Colombian government has reported that the death toll from the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country on August 10 has climbed to 329. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd) also stated that 247 individuals remain unaccounted for.

The powerful earthquake, the strongest to hit Colombia in 25 years, caused widespread devastation. The Ungrd reported that the number of injured has risen to 4,600, while 364 people have been rescued. The seismic event left 154,014 families, comprising 314,751 people, affected across 481 municipalities in 16 of the country's 32 departments.

Infrastructure damage is extensive, with 171,273 homes affected, 31,183 destroyed, and 553 buildings collapsing, particularly in the cities of Cali and Pereira, which bore the brunt of the quake. Additionally, 367 health centers, 3,710 educational institutions, 5,584 community centers, and 427 roads were damaged.

The Ungrd also reported on the impact on animals, with 1,259 pets rescued and 3,182 injured. The earthquake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, in the Chocó department, with significant effects also felt in Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío.

“

With a cut-off at 6:30 p.m. yesterday, the earthquake has reported effects in 16 departments and 481 municipalities. The human toll is painful: 329 deceased, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing. In total, 154,014 families and 314,751 people…