Survivors recount devastation after 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Colombia

Survivors in Colombia are sharing their devastating accounts after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter in Chocó, shook nine departments across the country. In Cali, one resident captured video of his apartment in ruins, describing the scene with trembling hands. "We are alive, I will try to take photographs, God protect us," he said, as desperate cries for help echoed in the background. He recounted managing to escape with his daughter just as the seismic activity began.

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We are alive, I will try to take photographs, God protect us

The images from affected areas reveal scenes of utter devastation, with buildings in Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó showing collapsed structures. In Cali, the first floor of one building was buried under fallen bricks and cracked walls. The resident documented the extensive damage to his kitchen, describing the situation as "horrible." He pointed out the collapsed wall in his daughter's room that fell directly onto her bed, expressing profound gratitude that she was not present during the earthquake.

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This is horrible

In Pereira, another survivor described the terrifying experience of their apartment collapsing around them. "The apartment came down on us, we almost didn't survive, guys," the tearful resident recounted, expressing helplessness over losing their home on Avenida 30 de Agosto. The building was left uninhabitable, with destroyed bathrooms, collapsed walls, and cracked columns. Despite the immense loss, the resident expressed thanks for managing to save their baby.

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If my daughter had been there, all of this would have fallen on her: the television, the wall

Authorities confirmed that the death toll had surpassed 110 across the Eje Cafetero, Chocó, and Valle del Cauca regions. Residents are now focused on guarding their belongings to prevent looting amidst the chaos and destruction.

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The apartment came down on us, we almost didn't survive, guys