Colombian Earthquake Claims 239 Lives, Injures Thousands

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake rocked Colombia on Monday, leaving a devastating trail of destruction. As of Wednesday, official figures confirm at least 239 people lost their lives and 3,755 sustained injuries, according to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).

The seismic event's epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, within the Chocó department on the country's Pacific coast. Beyond the fatalities and injuries, the earthquake has resulted in 287 individuals reported missing and has affected 24,324 families. These figures were released approximately 48 hours after the initial tremor.

The earthquake's impact was widespread, affecting 403 municipalities spread across 14 of Colombia's 32 departments. However, the most severe damage and the highest concentration of victims are reported in the central and southwestern parts of the country. The departments of Chocó, one of Colombia's poorest regions, along with Valle del Cauca and Risaralda, have experienced significant devastation. The capital cities of Cali and Pereira, respectively, have reported the highest numbers of fatalities so far.

The Institute of Legal Medicine (IML) stated on Wednesday that it had received 202 bodies of earthquake victims. Of these, 121 have been identified and handed over to their families. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has appealed for $30 million to assist Colombia in the aftermath of the earthquake.