Search and rescue operations continued this morning in western Colombia after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the region, killing at least 111 people.
The quake shook Cali, Quibdó, Pereira, and numerous other cities and towns, with reports indicating that around 1,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Soldiers, rescuers, and family members searched through the rubble, manually removing large pieces of concrete.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella stated yesterday afternoon that at least 111 people had died, and by last night, more than 2,700 people were reported missing.
Local authorities reported that 80 percent of El Cairo, a town with about 7,000 residents, was damaged.
The area around the earthquake’s epicenter includes the Chocó region, which is accessible only by boat, through the jungle, or by plane, and is considered one of the poorest and most neglected parts of the country.
President De la Espriella announced last night that he had mobilized “the entire military and police apparatus” to respond, deploying engineers, rescuers, and search dogs.
He announced subsidies for rental housing for those whose homes were damaged, while repairs are underway.
The United States announced it would provide $15.5 million for housing and food for Colombians, and governments from across Latin America have also joined in providing assistance.
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