A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, killing more than 110 people and damaging at least 1,500 buildings, with rescuers searching debris for survivors trapped in collapsed structures.
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Key facts
- More than 110 people have been killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia.
- At least 1,500 buildings were damaged and dozens collapsed, according to the Guardian.
- It is described as the country's most powerful quake this century, with a reported magnitude of 7.4.
- People remain trapped in Cali after more than two dozen structures collapsed.
- Cali has asked authorities in Bogota and Medellin to send disaster teams to help.
Rescue teams and civilians are sifting through debris in western Colombia after a powerful earthquake killed more than 110 people, according to the Guardian. The quake, reported at a magnitude of 7.4, is described as the country’s most powerful this century.
At least 1,500 buildings were damaged and dozens collapsed in the disaster, the Guardian reported. Search efforts are ongoing as teams work to reach people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
In Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, people remain trapped after more than two dozen structures collapsed, mayor Alejandro Eder said. The scale of the damage has stretched local emergency resources.
Eder said the city had asked authorities in Bogota and Medellin to send disaster teams to support rescue operations. The request underscores the challenge facing responders as they race against time to locate survivors.
Both search teams and members of the public have joined efforts to dig through the wreckage of collapsed buildings. The full extent of the casualties and damage was still being assessed as rescue work continued.
Why it matters
Earthquakes striking densely populated cities can cause mass casualties and overwhelm local emergency services within hours. The speed of rescue efforts in the crucial early period often determines how many trapped people survive.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have died in the Colombia earthquake?
According to the Guardian, more than 110 people have been killed following the earthquake in western Colombia.
How strong was the earthquake?
The earthquake was reported at a magnitude of 7.4 and is described as Colombia's most powerful quake this century.
Which cities were affected?
Cali, one of Colombia's largest cities, was among those affected, with more than two dozen structures collapsing there. The city has requested disaster teams from Bogota and Medellin.
Timeline
- Colombia earthquake live updates: rescuers race to free people from building rubble after more than 110 killed
The Guardian World: Search teams and civilians sift though debris after at least 1,500 buildings damaged and dozens collapse in country’s most powerful quake this century Scores dead in Colombia after powerful earthquake strikes west of country – full report People remain trapped in Cali, one of Col