Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 294

The death toll from a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to 294, according to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). The disaster has left 320 people missing and 3,935 injured.

The earthquake, the strongest to hit the country in 25 years, had its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó. The impact spans 448 municipalities across 15 departments, affecting approximately 115,461 people. Significant infrastructure damage includes 14,493 destroyed homes, 81,506 damaged residences, and 66 collapsed buildings, primarily in Cali and Pereira.

Additional damage reported includes 241 health centers, 2,612 educational institutions, 298 roads, 59 aqueducts, and five airports. The Colombian Geological Service reported 256 aftershocks following the initial tremor.

The Colombian government has approved international search and rescue support from the United States, Ecuador, and Israel, certified by the United Nations. While local response capacities have not yet been exceeded, humanitarian aid continues to arrive from various domestic and foreign sources.