Death Toll Rises to 273 in Colombia Earthquake, Thousands Injured and Missing

Bogotá, August 14: A devastating earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, causing widespread destruction. According to David Tamayo, director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, the death toll has now reached 273 due to the 7.4 magnitude quake.

Tamayo reported in a press conference, “We have documented 40,753 affected families, 97,515 impacted individuals, and 273 fatalities. Of these deaths, 250 bodies have been received by the health department, 227 have been identified, and 189 have been returned to their families.”

Additionally, the earthquake has left 3,824 people injured and 377 individuals unaccounted for.

In terms of infrastructure damage, Tamayo stated that 12,584 homes were destroyed and 74,873 were damaged. According to Xinhua News Agency, 172 buildings collapsed, affecting 2,198 schools and educational institutions, 825 community centers, 216 health facilities, and five airports.

To monitor the damage caused by the earthquake, satellite technology and high-resolution images are being utilized. On the ground, search and rescue teams continue to work with dog squads to locate missing persons trapped under debris.

The Colombian Geological Service reported a new tremor measuring 4.2 magnitude in San José del Palmar, located in the northwestern Chocó department, at 9:42 AM local time on Thursday, which was the epicenter of Monday’s earthquake.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its partners are supporting the government-led response to the catastrophic earthquake. OCHA stated in its daily news update that homes and public infrastructure have suffered extensive damage.

The office highlighted that emergency shelter, food assistance, access to safe drinking water, and healthcare for affected communities are among the top priorities. The UN and its partners are also mobilizing resources. OCHA mentioned that the World Food Programme is sending food supplies, while the World Health Organization is dispatching medical supplies from its warehouses in the country.

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