Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 70

The provisional death toll from a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia has climbed to at least 74, with the latest official figures from the Risaralda department government confirming 40 fatalities. The majority of these deaths are concentrated in Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities. Tragically, three children died in the municipality of Calima El Darién due to a wall collapse.

The Colombian Geological Service (SGC) updated its report, confirming the earthquake's magnitude at 7.4, occurring at 7:34 a.m. local time at a depth of 96 kilometers, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. The tremor was felt with significant intensity across a large portion of the country. Videos circulating online show buildings evacuated in Bogotá following the quake.

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The provisional death toll is 74. The latest update concerns 40 officially confirmed victims by the government of the department of Risaralda, concentrated mainly in the capital Pereira, among the most affected centers by the seismic event. Three victims were children, dead in the municipality of Calima El Darién due to the collapse of a wall.

In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that initial estimates indicate at least 20 buildings collapsed, trapping people, including children, under the debris, particularly at the university hospital where parts of the facility crumbled. Rescue teams are actively engaged in verification and assistance operations. Reports from Quibdó, the capital of the Chocó department, indicate injuries and severe damage to buildings.

Early images from local media depict damaged structures, collapsed sections, and debris scattered across roads in various locations. Authorities are conducting initial assessments in the most affected areas and acknowledge that further consequences may emerge in the coming hours. The earthquake's depth contributed to its widespread perception, causing buildings and homes to shake far from the epicenter. Officials are urging the public to remain calm and follow emergency service instructions.

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According to initial estimates, there are at least 20 collapsed buildings in the city with some people trapped: there would also be children among the people trapped under the rubble of the university hospital, according to Blu Radio, according to which some parts of the polyclinic have collapsed.