Colombia quake death toll tops 250 as rescuers race to find survivors
Summary
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has killed at least 250 people and left thousands homeless as rescuers race to find survivors trapped under rubble. Crews are still struggling with damaged infrastructure, power cuts and aftershocks, especially in hard-hit areas like Pereira, Cali and Choco.
Key Points
- Rescue crews are digging through rubble in western Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 254 people and injured many more.
- The quake hit Colombia’s coffee-growing heartland, damaging homes, schools, health centres and major infrastructure across Pereira, Cali and Choco.
- President Abelardo De La Espriella visited affected areas and promised economic support, while the government prepares budget revisions after announcing austerity measures.
- Local officials and rescue teams say communications, power, water and road access remain limited, slowing efforts to assess the full toll.
