Colombia earthquake toll rises to 329, hundreds missing

Colombia's government has reported that a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, which struck the country on August 10, has resulted in 329 deaths and 247 disappearances. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) also confirmed an increase in injuries to 4,600, while the number of rescued individuals remained at 364.

The seismic event left a significant trail of destruction, affecting 154,014 families, totaling 314,751 people. The impact spanned 481 municipalities across half of Colombia's 32 departments. Over 171,000 homes sustained damage, with an additional 31,000 destroyed and 553 buildings collapsing. Cali and Pereira, two major cities, bore the brunt of the earthquake's force.

Beyond human casualties, the UNGRD reported 1,259 animals rescued and 3,182 injured. The earthquake, described as the strongest in Colombia in 25 years, had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, with significant effects also felt in Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío.

Adding to the crisis, several forest fires erupted on Friday across 13 municipalities in Tolima. Firefighters, the Air Force, police, and emergency teams are working to contain the blazes, which are proving difficult to access. Investigations are underway to determine if these fires were intentionally set.