Powerful Earthquake in Colombia Kills Over 160, Injures Around 600

A powerful earthquake struck Colombia on Tuesday, killing more than 160 people and injuring approximately 600. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings following the strongest quake to hit the country in decades. The city of Cali, Colombia's third-largest with about 2.2 million residents, suffered at least 85 fatalities. Numerous buildings collapsed or were severely damaged, forcing residents to flee into the streets. In one hospital in Cali, upper floors collapsed, trapping patients and forcing medical staff to provide care outdoors to hundreds of injured individuals.

The earthquake, measuring 7.4 in magnitude, occurred in the Chocó department near the Pacific coast. Due to extensive damage at airports in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Armenia, Cartagena, and Buenaventura, Colombian aviation authorities suspended air traffic at these locations. As of now, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has not reported any Israeli casualties related to the disaster.

Rescue efforts have been ongoing throughout the night, with expectations that the death toll may rise as more victims are discovered beneath the rubble. The quake has caused widespread destruction and disruption across multiple regions in Colombia.