Colombian earthquake leaves at least 239 dead, thousands injured and missing

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake, the strongest to hit Colombia this century, has devastated parts of the country, leaving a grim toll of at least 239 people dead and 3,755 injured. The quake, which struck on Monday with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó department, located in the Pacific region, has also left 287 people missing and affected 24,324 families, according to data released 48 hours after the event.

The earthquake's impact has been widespread, affecting 403 municipalities across 14 of Colombia's 32 departments. While Chocó, one of the nation's poorest regions, suffered severely, the devastation is also grave in the Valle del Cauca and Risaralda departments. The capitals of these departments, Cali and Pereira respectively, have reported the highest number of fatalities so far.

The Institute of Legal Medicine (IML) reported receiving 202 bodies of earthquake victims, identifying 121 for release to their families. These victims were recovered from Chocó, Caldas, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca. Among the identified victims are five minors.

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The bodies rescued come from the departments of Chocó, Caldas, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca, related to the earthquake that occurred on August 10, of which a total of 121 victims have been identified, including five minors.

Beyond the human cost, the earthquake has caused extensive material damage. Preliminary figures from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) indicate that 9,215 homes have been destroyed, with another 45,457 damaged. Additionally, 140 buildings collapsed, and rescue teams are actively searching for trapped individuals in the rubble. Thousands of rescuers and volunteers are involved in these efforts.

The seismic event also crippled essential infrastructure. A total of 188 hospitals or health centers were affected, along with 1,667 schools and 43 aqueducts. Two airports also suffered significant damage, further complicating relief and recovery operations. The UNGRD described the earthquake as the most severe experienced by the country in the 21st century.

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The earthquake, the strongest the country has suffered in this century, leaves a partial balance of 9,215 destroyed homes, another 45,457 damaged and 140 collapsed buildings.