Colombia earthquake toll revised to 289 dead, 143 missing; national disaster declared.

Colombian authorities have revised the victim count following a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia last Monday. The latest figures report 289 fatalities and 143 individuals still missing, a decrease from earlier reports that indicated higher numbers of both dead and disappeared.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk and Disaster Management (UNGRD) had previously announced figures of 294 deaths and 320 missing. The unit's director, David Tamayo, explained that the discrepancies arose from daily municipal report modifications that were consolidated at the end of the day. The devastating quake, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, has resulted in 3,937 injuries and impacted over 117,000 people, according to the UNGRD. Additionally, 14,705 homes were destroyed, with damage to another 81,536.

The Institute of Legal Medicine has identified 279 victims, including 21 minors, and has returned the bodies of 268 deceased to their families. In Cali, a city in the Valle del Cauca department, search efforts continue for over 70 missing individuals. Despite the passage of time, Mayor Alejandro Eder expressed hope, stating, "Miracles exist," and that rescue teams are still working in areas where victims might be found alive.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster and economic emergency, a significant challenge at the start of his term. This declaration allows for temporary tax collection to fund the reconstruction of hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. Vice President José Manuel Restrepo visited rural communities in the Risaralda department to reaffirm support for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. International rescue teams from the United States, Israel, and Ecuador have joined Colombian brigades to assist in search and rescue operations.