Colombia in emergency: 7.4 magnitude earthquake leaves a devastating toll in four departments
A tragedy of great magnitude shook Colombia this Monday after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale was recorded. The epicenter, located in San José del Palmar, in the department of Chocó, has caused a trail of destruction that mainly affects the regions of Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, and Chocó itself, leaving so far a preliminary toll of at least 240 people dead according to reports from regional authorities.
The seismic movement, which took place at 07:34 local time, has left alarming figures in terms of casualties and infrastructure damage. Local authorities have worked intensely on rescue efforts in the face of the complex situation facing thousands of citizens in the hardest-hit areas.
Regional impact and structural damage
The department of Valle del Cauca has been one of the most affected. In Cali, the departmental capital, 95 deaths have been confirmed, while another 35 fatalities were reported in neighboring municipalities. The regional government reported the collapse of three hospitals and serious damage to 18 health centers, in addition to damage to 39 educational institutions and nearly 5,000 homes destroyed.
Unfortunately, we have to report 95 deaths, that is the count as of this morning. We have 949 people injured and 86 people rescued. Additionally, there are 239 people trapped and 56 buildings collapsed.
Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali
In the department of Risaralda, official figures point to about 90 deaths, including those reported in Pereira. Meanwhile, in Chocó, the epicenter of the earthquake, 14 fatalities, 138 injured, and five missing persons are accounted for. The situation in this area is aggravated by the partial collapse of telephone, communications, and electrical services.
Emergency services situation
- Caldas: Six deaths, 76 injuries, and more than 1,300 homes with structural damage have been reported.
- Medical attention: The Institute of Legal Medicine has confirmed the receipt of 160 bodies from the most impacted areas for their respective identification.
- Government management: The Presidency of the Republic has centralized official information regarding the emergency, taking control of reports on rescue efforts and humanitarian assistance throughout the national territory.
Search and rescue efforts continue in the affected areas, as relief agencies attempt to reach the most critical points where the magnitude of the earthquake has left hundreds of citizens under the rubble. Alofoke Deportes will continue to report on the development of this national emergency.
