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[INTERNATIONAL] · Colombia · 5 sources

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Colombia earthquake leaves over 300 dead and thousands displaced

A major earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, has caused widespread devastation across the western and southwestern regions. The disaster has resulted in at least 306 confirmed deaths, leaving thousands injured, hundreds missing, and over 100,000 families displaced. Significant damage has been reported in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdó.

In Cali, the tragedy of the Saavedra Caicedo family has drawn national attention. Two of the three 23-year-old Saavedra triplets, Sofía and Isabella, died along with their parents, Jairo Hernán Saavedra and Victoria Caicedo, when their building collapsed. Ana María Saavedra was the sole survivor of the siblings and is receiving medical care.

In Ibagué, Mayor Johana Aranda reported that authorities have conducted over 350 structural inspections of buildings and residential complexes. Due to safety concerns, official schools have transitioned to virtual learning until infrastructure can be verified as secure.

Experts, including Everardo Murillo—who led the successful reconstruction efforts following the 1999 Armenia earthquake—are highlighting the need for effective risk management and organized social capital to rebuild affected communities and prevent future tragedies.

Entities

Antonella Petro · Cali · Colombia · Everardo Murillo · Ibagué · Johana Aranda · Marbelle · María Elvira Building · Saavedra Caicedo family · Sofía Petro · Ángela María Agudelo

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