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🇸🇪 Sweden /Disasters & Emergencies

Rotting meat from collapsed slaughterhouse poses health risk in Colombia after earthquake

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A collapsed slaughterhouse in Pereira, Colombia, poses a significant health risk due to rotting meat after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake.
  • Efforts to remove the meat are hampered by the building's collapse, and the smell of decay is already present in the 35-degree Celsius heat.
  • Rescuers are prioritizing the recovery of survivors and the deceased, while residents appeal for urgent international assistance to manage the health hazard.

The aftermath of a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia has left the city of Pereira facing a growing health crisis, exemplified by a collapsed slaughterhouse filled with rotting meat.

We need help.

— AnaA resident of Pereira describing the urgent need for assistance after the earthquake.

Residents like Ana described the dire situation, stating, "We need help." The three-story building collapsed onto the slaughterhouse, trapping meat beneath the rubble. The decaying animal carcasses are now a significant health hazard, with bacteria potentially spreading rapidly in the intense 35-degree Celsius heat. Efforts to clear the meat have been difficult due to the extensive structural damage.

They have tried to remove the meat since the earthquake to avoid contamination, but it has been impossible as it was three floors that collapsed.

— AnaExplaining the difficulties in clearing the hazardous meat from the collapsed slaughterhouse.

Firefighters have warned about the escalating health risks associated with the rotting meat. However, their primary focus remains on rescuing individuals trapped under debris. The urgency of the situation is palpable, as Ana noted, "If the meat cannot be disposed of, they have to leave the city. We need help with this because it already smells like rotten meat."

If the meat cannot be disposed of, they have to leave the city. We need help with this because it already smells like rotten meat.

— AnaHighlighting the severity of the health risk and the need for external aid.

Rescue operations are ongoing across western Colombia, with soldiers, emergency personnel, and family members searching through the wreckage. A 32-year-old woman was rescued after being trapped for 36 hours, and an infant was also saved. However, for many, the search has turned into a vigil for loved ones. The earthquake has damaged or destroyed approximately 1,600 buildings, and thousands are still missing, intensifying the need for aid and support.

My aunt lived here. She is under the rubble. I came here yesterday and I will stay here until they find her body.

— Jorge GonzalesA man searching for his missing aunt amidst the earthquake debris.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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