A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, leaving at least 181 people dead and about 2,595 injured, according to President Abelardo de la Espriella. The president also said at least 195 people remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the disaster.
The strength of the earthquake that hit Colombia on Monday.
The earthquake struck the Choco region, surrounding the epicenter. [source_ref:claim:10] Fatalities were concentrated in urban areas including Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo. [source_ref:claim:8] Civilian-managed records suggest the number of missing could be as high as 3,900, while civilian-run databases put the figure closer to 4,000.
President de la Espriella said 1,136 homes were destroyed and others damaged. In the town of El Cairo, local authorities reported that 80% of the town, home to about 7,000 people, was damaged. The municipal government of Pereira said at least 58 buildings collapsed, and the Mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, reported at least 40 buildings collapsed.
This has been a tragedy for the whole city, for thousands of families.
Sterling Palacios, a religious and environmental leader in rural parts of the Choco region, said Choco's capital was devastated along with smaller communities along the Atrato River. He said the government's response has so far been 'concentrated in the capital'.
President de la Espriella announced he was mobilizing 'the entire military and police apparatus' in Quibdo, Choco, on Monday night. He also said, 'Choco will never again be the land of the forgotten'.
Jairo Vargas, who traveled from Medellin to Pereira, said of his brother's situation, 'I’m absolutely certain he’s here. Absolutely certain.'
The earthquake in Colombia followed back-to-back quakes in neighboring Venezuela in late June that killed more than 6,300 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings. [source_ref:claim:16]
The US State Department announced it would provide $15.5 million for emergency shelter, food, and other aid.
