Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 254 as rescue efforts continue

The death toll from this week’s powerful earthquake in Colombia has risen to 254, with rescue teams continuing to search through the rubble of collapsed buildings for survivors.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western parts of the South American country, with Cali, Quibdo and Pereira among the cities hardest hit, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Around 1,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed, while more than 2,700 people have been reported missing. Families have also turned to citizen-run websites to share information and search for relatives who remain unaccounted for.

Choco, one of Colombia’s poorest and most neglected regions, is among the worst-affected areas. Authorities have yet to establish the full scale of the destruction there.

In Quibdo, the capital of Choco department, local official Jenny Rivas said public services and communications “have been virtually shut down.”

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella travelled to Quibdo late on Monday to inspect the damage. He said the government was mobilising “the entire military and police apparatus”, including engineers, rescue teams and search dogs, as part of the emergency response.

The president also announced rental assistance for people whose homes were damaged, allowing them to find temporary accommodation while repairs are carried out.

The US State Department said it would provide $US15.5 million ($21 million) in emergency assistance, including shelter, food and other essential supplies. Governments across Latin America have also offered support.

The disaster comes just weeks after two consecutive earthquakes in June caused widespread destruction in neighbouring Venezuela, killing more than 6,300 people.

For many Colombians, the immediate shock of the earthquake is now giving way to the difficult task of dealing with its longer-term consequences.

Mónica Sánchez, who runs a small company producing work uniforms, was in Pereira when the earthquake struck. A wall inside her factory collapsed, but she and her 12 employees managed to escape moments before they were trapped.

“It was shocking — the city fell down around us,” she said.

Andres Hernandez, a tattoo artist from Pereira, said he was afraid to sleep because of the danger posed by other buildings that were “on the verge of collapsing”.

Recalling the earthquake, he said he was forced to leave his home and take refuge in the street.

“It was a movie scene, because I saw the poles, the cables, everything moving. I'm worried about my family, my friends,” he said. 

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov