Kathmandu, August 13 – Rescue and search operations continue following a powerful earthquake in Colombia. Rescue workers are tirelessly searching for and saving those trapped under the debris. According to the latest reports, the death toll has risen above 180. The cities of Cali and Pereira have suffered the most severe damage, local media sources report. The earthquake struck at 7:34 am on Monday, registering a magnitude of 7.4. The tremors were felt hundreds of miles away across western Colombia. Aftershocks were also felt on Tuesday.
Official government figures indicate the death toll has reached 181. However, combining data provided by local authorities, some news agencies suggest the fatalities could exceed 240. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency in the country. On Tuesday, he visited Pereira, one of the most affected cities, and informed that approximately 2,600 people have been injured and nearly 200 remain missing. He further noted that more than 1,100 houses have been completely destroyed and over 8,000 homes have sustained damage. From Monday night through Tuesday morning, many residents of Pereira, Cali, and surrounding cities spent the night outdoors due to fears of collapsing structures or after their homes were entirely destroyed.
