The death toll from the Colombia earthquake has risen to at least 265, with nearly 500 people reported missing and over 50,000 homes damaged. Authorities continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Colombia's President Abelardo de la Espriella announced on Wednesday (12 Aug) that the death toll from the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in the country's west on Monday has risen to at least 265.
The Colombian leader stated that nearly 500 people are reported missing, while a civilian-maintained database indicates the number of missing could be over 4,100.
Reports indicate widespread damage from the tremors, with more than 50,000 homes affected. Of these, over 11,000 houses have collapsed and are uninhabitable, alongside 140 damaged buildings, numerous damaged roads, and many vehicles crushed by debris.
As aid from regional countries and agencies begins to arrive in Colombia, rescue operations to find and assist earthquake victims continue without pause.
Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors in the hardest-hit cities, including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó, working to reach those possibly trapped under rubble.
Relief agencies say the first 48-72 hours after the earthquake are the most critical for locating survivors, though this period may extend if trapped victims have sufficient food and water.
Recently, the Colombian government declared special measures to address the crisis, preparing investments to restore damaged areas, aid victims, and repair homes destroyed in this severe earthquake.
. Source:CBS
Click to read related news aboutInternational News