Powerful earthquake in Colombia: death toll exceeds 130, search continues (Updated)

The death toll from the powerful earthquake in Colombia has risen from 77 to at least 132. Rescuers continue to search for people under the rubble, so the final extent of the tragedy may be greater.

According to a summary by the Colombian Association of Capital Cities Asocapitales, as of the evening of August 10, over 570 injured were also reported. At the same time, later reports from local authorities indicate that around 700 people may have been injured in Cali alone. Data continues to be updated.

The highest number of fatalities was recorded in Pereira - 60 people. At least two buildings collapsed in the city, and rescue operations are ongoing at 15 critical points. The Matecaña International Airport was closed due to structural damage.

In a number of regions, medical facilities, schools, roads, public transportation systems, and power grids were damaged. The situation with electricity remains particularly critical in the departments of Choco, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Quindío, and Risaralda.

The earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 occurred on August 10 at 07:34 local time. Its epicenter was located near the municipality of San José del Palmar in the department of Choco at a depth of 103 kilometers. The Colombian Geological Survey called it the strongest earthquake in the country in the 21st century. After the main tremor, dozens of aftershocks were recorded.

The Colombian government declared a national state of disaster. A curfew was imposed in Cali and a number of other affected areas, and security forces increased patrols amid reports of looting attempts.

Based on materials from: Caracol Radio, El Espectador