Colombia Faces Heavy Losses After Powerful Earthquake

(MENAFN) The death toll from the devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has
climbed to 331, according to an updated assessment from disaster management authorities.

Officials report that 240 people are still missing, while 4,449 others have suffered injuries.
Rescue teams have recovered 364 people alive. Overall, more than 406,000 people from 188,034
families are officially listed as affected across 494 municipalities spanning 16 of the country’s 32
departments.

The earthquake strikes at 7:34 a.m. local time on Aug. 10, becoming the strongest seismic event
recorded in Colombia this century. Its epicenter is located near San Jose del Palmar in the Pacific
department of Choco, at an intermediate depth of approximately 110 kilometers.

The powerful tremor causes widespread destruction to residential areas and public infrastructure
throughout western Colombia. Disaster officials say 33,275 homes are completely destroyed,
while another 185,889 properties suffer varying degrees of damage.

Critical public services are also badly impacted. Authorities report damage to 376 health centers,
3,819 educational institutions and 4,337 community facilities, further complicating relief and
recovery efforts in the affected regions.

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