Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 500 as Rescue Efforts Continue

Colombia is grappling with the aftermath of a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department on August 10. The disaster has resulted in at least 319 confirmed deaths, with 260 people still missing and over 4,400 injured. Rescue teams have managed to save 364 individuals and 549 animals amid the ongoing search and recovery operations.

The earthquake's impact has been widespread, affecting 15 departments across the country. Authorities estimate that approximately 31,000 homes were completely destroyed, and nearly 152,000 buildings sustained damage. This event marks Colombia's strongest earthquake in decades, and the scale of destruction has overwhelmed local resources.

In response, Colombian President Iván Duque deployed 1,000 security personnel to prevent looting and maintain order, imposing a nightly curfew in the hardest-hit cities. Rescue efforts have been continuous for several days, with no clear end in sight. Meanwhile, international aid is arriving, including a recent shipment of five tons of medical supplies from Israel to assist the victims.

The situation remains critical as authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and continue searching for missing persons amid the rubble.