- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,167.70-0.32%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,049+0.04%
- October 19, 202617°
- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,167.70-0.32%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,049+0.04%
- October 19, 202617°
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes Colombia as death toll reaches 82
The death toll from the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to at least 82, with widespread damage and building collapses reported in several areas. Rescue teams continue searching through the rubble, while authorities have warned that the number of victims could rise as operations continue.
A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, killing dozens of people and causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in several cities and areas.
According to the latest available data, the earthquake's death toll has risen to at least 82. Emergency and rescue teams continue searching for survivors and people believed to remain trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake's epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region of western Colombia, at a depth of approximately 107 kilometers.
Residents felt the strong tremor across large parts of the country, including the capital Bogotá and major cities such as Medellín, Cali, Pereira and Manizales.
Colombia earthquake death toll rises
The death toll rose as search-and-rescue operations progressed and emergency teams reached the worst-hit areas.
Initial reports put the number of deaths at 71 before later updates raised the toll to at least 82.
Risaralda is among the areas hardest hit by the earthquake, with the latest information indicating that 42 people were killed there.
Rescue operations are still underway, meaning the final death toll could change as rubble is cleared and teams reach affected areas.
Buildings collapse and widespread damage hits several cities
The powerful earthquake caused extensive damage to buildings and facilities in different parts of western Colombia.
Several buildings collapsed completely, while other structures sustained structural damage of varying severity.
Pereira and surrounding areas suffered significant damage, while the city of Cali also sustained widespread damage because of the strength of the tremor.
Human casualties, injuries and damage to several buildings were also recorded in Quibdó, the capital of Chocó.
Local authorities are assessing the scale of the destruction as rescue teams continue searching inside collapsed and damaged buildings.
The tremor reaches Bogotá and Medellín
Although the earthquake's epicenter was in western Colombia, people felt it across a wide geographic area.
In the capital Bogotá, large numbers of residents left their homes and offices for streets and open areas after feeling the tremor.
Residents also felt the earthquake in Medellín, Cali, Pereira, Manizales and several other cities.
The tremor was also felt in parts of neighboring countries.
Authorities announced that the earthquake posed no risk of tsunami, but urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings because of the risk of collapse and aftershocks.
Rescue teams search for survivors under the rubble
Colombian authorities launched extensive search-and-rescue operations after the earthquake.
Firefighters, police officers, military personnel, medical teams and emergency-response units deployed to the worst-hit areas.
Efforts are focused on reaching people who may be trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Injured people have been taken to hospitals and medical centers for treatment, while emergency teams face difficulties in some areas because of damage to roads and communications networks.
Aftershocks pose an additional risk to rescue teams working in heavily damaged areas.
The earthquake affects air traffic
The earthquake's impact extended beyond buildings and residential areas to the transportation sector and airports.
Civil aviation authorities temporarily suspended operations at several airports to conduct safety inspections after the strong tremor.
Technical teams began inspecting runways, airport buildings and critical facilities to ensure that no damage posed a risk to air traffic.
Authorities are working to restore flights to normal after completing the inspections and confirming the safety of the facilities.
National disaster declared
The loss of life and widespread damage prompted Colombian authorities to expand the government's response to the disaster.
A national disaster was declared, and additional resources were directed to affected areas to support search-and-rescue operations and provide assistance to those affected.
Army and police forces, firefighters, medical teams and relevant agencies are participating in the response operations.
Alongside rescue operations, authorities are providing shelter, food, medical care and basic necessities to people who lost their homes or were forced to leave them because of the damage.
Warnings issued over aftershocks
Authorities warned residents not to enter buildings damaged by the earthquake, especially as aftershocks continue to be recorded.
The subsequent tremors have raised concerns that buildings weakened by the main earthquake could collapse.
Authorities urged residents in affected areas to follow emergency teams' instructions and stay away from structures showing signs of structural damage.
Rescue teams also continue working while taking additional measures to protect their personnel from sudden collapses during search operations.
Concerns grow over rising death toll
The final death toll from the earthquake remains unclear as search-and-rescue operations continue in several areas.
The latest information indicates that at least 82 people have been killed, while emergency teams continue searching for people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
The Colombian government is simultaneously assessing the extent of the damage and providing humanitarian and medical assistance and shelter to affected residents.
The full scale of the disaster is expected to become clearer in the coming hours as search-and-rescue operations advance and teams reach more affected areas.
Stay Updated with Hilal Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
