A powerful earthquake has struck western Colombia, prompting rescue teams to search collapsed buildings as the death toll rises, according to Al Jazeera reporting from the ground.
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Key facts
- A powerful earthquake struck western Colombia.
- Rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings.
- The death toll is rising, according to Al Jazeera.
- Al Jazeera reporter Alessandro Rampietti is reporting from the scene.
Rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia, according to Al Jazeera. The broadcaster reported from the scene as emergency crews worked through the damage.
Al Jazeera said the death toll from the quake was rising, with reporter Alessandro Rampietti providing coverage from the ground in Colombia.
The earthquake affected the western part of the country, where the collapse of buildings has become a focus of the rescue effort. Search operations were under way at the sites of destroyed structures.
At the time of Al Jazeera’s report, the immediate priority for authorities and rescue teams was locating survivors within collapsed buildings.
Further details on the scale of the damage, the precise location and the number of casualties were not specified in the available reporting. Coverage of the disaster was continuing as crews remained active at affected sites.
Why it matters
Powerful earthquakes can cause widespread destruction and loss of life, making rapid rescue efforts critical in the hours after a disaster. On-the-ground reporting helps convey the scale of the emergency to a wider audience as events unfold.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the earthquake strike?
According to Al Jazeera, the earthquake struck western Colombia.
What are rescue teams doing?
Rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings following the earthquake, according to Al Jazeera.
Is the death toll known?
Al Jazeera reported that the death toll was rising, but a specific figure was not provided in the available reporting.
Timeline
- Colombia rescue efforts press on after quake, death toll expected to rise
CNBC Top News: The 7.4-magnitude earthquake tore through Colombia's coffee-growing heartland early on Monday, killing at least 164 people.
- Al Jazeera reporter on the ground as Colombia quake death toll rises
Al Jazeera: Rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia.