Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 240; Thousands Missing Amid Widespread Devastation

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has devastated western Colombia, claiming the lives of over 240 people and leaving thousands missing. The seismic event, which struck on Sunday morning, caused extensive destruction, with authorities reporting that over 13,000 homes were damaged and more than 2,500 were completely destroyed. Critical infrastructure, including 93 medical facilities and 884 educational institutions, also suffered damage. The cities of Pereira, Cali, Quibdó, Manizales, and Armenia bore the brunt of the impact, particularly areas closer to the epicenter in the Chocó province. In Cali, Colombia's third-largest city, at least 95 people died, and a hospital's pediatric ward collapsed, trapping patients. The governor of Risaralda province, Pereira's home, reported at least 101 fatalities in the capital city. The national emergency has been declared as rescue teams work tirelessly through the night, sifting through rubble in a desperate search for survivors. Officials warn that the death toll is likely to climb as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer and the search for an estimated 4,000 missing persons continues. This earthquake, the strongest recorded in Colombia in the 21st century, struck just three days after President Gustavo Petro's inauguration, prompting his call for national unity and a coordinated response, emphasizing that ideology should not divide efforts to protect citizens.

“

Our intention is to cooperate in every way necessary. There can be no ideological distinctions or divisions when it comes to protecting the people and showing solidarity.