Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 294

As more bodies are recovered following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Colombia earlier this week, the death toll has reached 294, with 320 people still missing.

Colombia's disaster management agency estimated on 15/8 that at least 294 people have died, 320 others remain missing, and nearly 4,000 people were injured five days after the earthquake. Over two-thirds of the fatalities were concentrated in the cities of Cali and Pereira.

"We only have one location left with signs of life", Cali fire chief Alberto Hernandez stated. "In other areas, we have transitioned to the body recovery phase."

Rescue workers and volunteers search for survivors in the rubble in Pereira on 14/8. Photo: Reuters

With over 2 million residents, Cali is Colombia's third-largest city. Rescue teams continued to clear piles of concrete, bricks, and twisted metal throughout the morning to search for the missing, while residents cleaned up their neighborhoods.

Hernandez said they will likely conclude the search for bodies on 16/8, after which they will begin using heavy equipment to clear the debris.

Juana Catano, coordinator for a local volunteer organization, said groups are focusing on recovery and reconstruction. "We are experiencing immense grief", she stated.

The earthquake struck around 7:30 a.m. on 10/8 in San Jose del Palmar, collapsing apartment buildings, schools, churches, hospitals, and homes. The affected area stretched from the Pacific port of Buenaventura to Colombia's coffee-growing region and major cities in the country's west.

Residents and volunteers clean up neighborhoods after the earthquake in Cali, Colombia, on 15/8. Photo: Reuters

In Pereira, a city deep within Colombia's coffee-growing region, hundreds spent the night on mats or in tents at a makeshift camp in a park, where coordinators reported shortages of blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene products, and food.

The disaster management unit's report stated that thousands of homes were completely destroyed by the earthquake, leaving hundreds to sleep outdoors in shelters and await news on the stability of their homes.

Colombia has recorded 269 aftershocks since the main earthquake, increasing risks for rescue workers and volunteers.

The disaster marks the first major challenge for President Abelardo De La Espriella, who took office last week. De La Espriella faced criticism for his handling of the initial hours, particularly for not accepting aid offers from rescue teams in several countries. Authorities later accepted response teams from Israel and the US.