The death toll from a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia has climbed to 224, according to local authorities, as rescue operations continue into their second day. Emergency workers are still searching through rubble for survivors, with officials warning the casualty count could rise further. The quake, which flattened numerous buildings and homes, has caused widespread destruction in the region.
The disaster, which occurred on Monday, was caused by the subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American plate, according to geologists. This geological process, explained by Professor Germán Prieto from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, is responsible for the country’s most significant earthquake in a decade. The tremor was felt across multiple regions, with the worst damage concentrated in the cities of Cali and Pereira.
Government officials, including President Abelardo de la Espriella, have visited affected areas to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. The president has been touring Pereira and Manizales to meet with local authorities and understand the needs of the most impacted communities. As of the latest reports, over 1,300 people have been injured, and more than 150 structures have collapsed.
The situation remains critical, with ongoing search and rescue operations and a growing need for humanitarian aid. The exact number of fatalities continues to evolve as authorities work to confirm the full extent of the disaster.
