On the morning of August 10, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia. The disaster hit the country’s coffee-growing region, causing widespread destruction in Cali, Pereira and Manizales. According to the latest reports, at least 164 people have been killed, while authorities expect the death toll to rise further.
Earthquake Damages Buildings and Hospitals
The powerful tremors caused dozens of buildings to collapse and severely damaged urban infrastructure. At least 85 people were killed in Cali. A hospital was partially destroyed, forcing hundreds of patients to be evacuated and receive medical care outdoors.
In Pereira, authorities confirmed 66 deaths, while another 13 fatalities were reported in the province of Chocó, located closest to the earthquake’s epicenter.
Rescuers Continue Searching Through the Rubble
Rescue teams, soldiers, police officers and volunteers have been working in the affected areas for a second consecutive day. They are using heavy machinery, while in some cases clearing debris by hand in an effort to find survivors.
Search efforts are currently focused on buildings where people may still be trapped beneath the rubble. Authorities have also increased security measures in Cali and Pereira following reports of looting and imposed curfews.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as specialists assess the extent of the destruction and the needs of affected communities.
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