Colombia earthquake leaves 285 dead and 379 missing

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 has struck Colombia, leaving a trail of destruction and a significant loss of life. The quake's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, within the Chocó department.

As of the latest reports, the death toll has climbed to 285, with an additional 379 people still missing. The disaster has also left 3,975 individuals injured and has impacted the lives of over 102,262 people across the nation.

The earthquake's impact is widespread, with nearly 45,523 families displaced. A staggering 12,828 homes have been completely destroyed, and another 73,455 have sustained damage. The disaster has also crippled essential infrastructure, damaging 2,205 educational facilities and 240 health centers. Furthermore, 121 buildings have collapsed, and 44 bridges and 73 aqueducts have been affected.

The quake, the most powerful recorded in Colombia this century, has affected 15 of the country's 32 departments. The regions of Chocó, Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Caldas, and Quindío are among the most severely impacted, with 426 municipalities reporting some form of damage. Rescue teams continue their efforts to locate the missing amidst the rubble, having already saved 354 lives.