Tragedy in Colombia: At least 234 dead reported after 7.4 magnitude earthquake
Colombia is going through moments of deep dismay following the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook various regions of the country this Monday. According to preliminary reports issued by regional authorities, the death toll has risen to 234, while rescue and damage assessment efforts continue in the most affected areas.
The lack of an official consolidated report from the national government has led departmental governments to report independently on the magnitude of the tragedy in their respective territories. These figures reflect the devastating impact of the earthquake on the infrastructure and the lives of thousands of citizens.
Regional impact detail
The authorities have broken down the report of deceased by zones, highlighting the severity of the situation in the following departments:
- Valle del Cauca: 35 deaths are counted in the municipalities, in addition to 95 fatalities recorded in Cali, its capital.
- Risaralda: Local authorities, through the Government Secretariat, estimate around 90 deaths in this central region.
- Chocó: Identified as the epicenter of the earthquake, 14 deaths have been confirmed, according to the report by Governor Diana Carolina Córdoba-Nuri.
- Caldas: The governor’s office has reported a total of six deaths so far.
The death toll remains a provisional figure, pending the emergency teams’ ability to access hard-to-reach areas and the final national report being updated.
As the first hours after the disaster pass, the magnitude of the devastation becomes more evident. Rescue teams remain deployed at critical points, prioritizing the search for survivors among the rubble and providing assistance to families affected by this strong earthquake.
