Death toll rises to 265 in 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia: 496 people remain missing

The toll of the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10 has worsened. President Abelardo De La Espriella announced that the number of people who lost their lives has risen to 265, and the number of injured has reached 3 thousand 494.

As three days have passed since the earthquake, search and rescue efforts continue for the 496 missing people. Stating that the teams' priority is to reach the missing, De La Espriella said, "All our efforts are focused on finding the missing persons."

NUMBER OF DESTROYED STRUCTURES EXCEEDS 9 THOUSAND

The Colombian National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) announced that the earthquake caused at least 9 thousand 215 structures to be destroyed and 45 thousand 457 structures to be damaged.

Authorities reported that the red alert continues in the cities of Cali, Pereira, Quibdo, Manizales, and Armenia. It was stated that damage assessment and relief efforts are being carried out with the support of the army and the national police force.

The earthquake, which had its epicenter in the San Jose del Palmar region of Choco province, was felt in many parts of the country. The Colombian Geological Survey had announced that the tremor was the most severe earthquake recorded in the country in the last 10 years.

While a state of emergency was declared following the disaster, search and rescue teams continue their work both to reach the missing and to ensure safety in risky structures.

News Source: 12punto