A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, pushing the death toll to 224, according to local reports. Authorities also said more than 3,000 people are missing nationwide, raising fears that many may be trapped under debris.
The quake caused severe damage in the impoverished Chocó province and in Risaralda, a well-known coffee-producing region. Across the country, 1,577 residential buildings were damaged, with 37 structures reported to have collapsed completely.
Public infrastructure was also hit, with 18 hospitals and 52 schools suffering major damage. In Cali, part of a prominent university hospital collapsed, trapping patients inside; officials said around 30% of the hospital’s structure was damaged, and those caught in the rubble were moved to safer locations.
In Pereira city of Risaralda alone, 60 deaths were reported. Police, firefighters, the military and volunteers have been working around the clock to rescue people from the ruins.
Colombia has declared a state of emergency, and several countries have offered assistance. Search operations continue as authorities try to trace the thousands still reported missing.
