Colombia rescue efforts press on after quake, death toll expected to rise
Summary
Rescue teams in western Colombia are digging through collapsed buildings after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 164 people and left many more missing. Authorities expect the death toll to rise as emergency workers continue searching in hard-hit cities including Cali, Pereira and Manizales.
Key Points
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia’s coffee-growing heartland, killing at least 164 people and causing widespread destruction.
- Rescue workers, police, soldiers and volunteers are searching collapsed buildings for survivors, with the death toll expected to rise.
- Cali and Pereira suffered major damage, with hospitals, homes and apartment blocks collapsing and many residents forced into the streets.
- President Abelardo De La Espriella said security forces would be deployed to Cali amid reports of looting and curfews were imposed in Cali and Pereira.
