Agadir – Colombia’s 7.4-magnitude earthquake death toll reaches at least 254 people, with dozens injured and others still trapped beneath collapsed buildings after the powerful earthquake.
The earthquake struck the country early Monday, damaging and destroying apartment blocks, homes, schools, and health centers.
Separate reports from affected cities put the death toll at 254 as of Tuesday morning, including 101 fatalities in Pereira, deep in Colombia’s region, and 95 in Cali, the country’s third-largest city.
Rescuers worked through Monday night and Tuesday using cranes and excavators. Teams formed human chains to remove debris and passed buckets filled with rubble as they searched for people who may still be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
“We trust in our rescuers and in the canines who work tirelessly, day and night, to find our missing brothers,” Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella stated today.
Authorities have been racing to locate survivors while assessing the extent of the destruction across affected communities.
The earthquake came just days after the inauguration of new Colombian President De La Espriella, who traveled to affected areas and pledged economic support for people who lost their homes.
The government, which announced immediate austerity measures after taking office, is also preparing to revise a more than $180 billion budget inherited from its leftist predecessors.
International condolences have also begun reaching Colombia following the disaster.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to President Abelardo Gabriel de la Espriella Otero over the deaths and extensive destruction caused by the earthquake.
In a message to the Colombian president, Putin conveyed his “deepest condolences” over the casualties and severe damage caused by the earthquake that struck western Colombia.
“Dear President, please accept my deepest condolences regarding the numerous human casualties and the severe destruction caused by the earthquake that struck the western regions of Colombia,” Putin said.
He also asked De La Espriella to convey his sympathy and support to the families and relatives of those killed, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
“I ask you to convey words of sincere compassion and support to the families and loved ones of those who perished, as well as wishes for the speediest possible recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe,” he added.
