BOGOTA, August 12. /Dunyo IA/. The death toll from a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has exceeded 250, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing “Reuters.”

The earthquake struck early on August 10 and became one of the most destructive to hit the country in decades. Colombia’s coffee-growing region was particularly hard hit. More than 3,000 people have been reported missing.

Rescuers have been clearing rubble using cranes, excavators and their bare hands. Local estimates put the death toll at 254 today. Authorities warned that the final figures may not be available for several days due to disruptions to communications.

Nearly 5,000 homes were damaged, dozens of buildings collapsed, and hundreds of residential properties were destroyed. In the city of Cali, upper floors of a hospital, including paediatric facilities, partially collapsed, forcing staff to treat around 600 people outside.

Six airports were closed in the cities of Quibdó, Pereira, Manizales, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura. Water, electricity, medical services and telephone communications also remained disrupted, while some roads still closed.

The Colombian authorities have provided affected residents with water, food, hygiene supplies, temporary shelters and medical assistance. The United States allocated $15.5 million for emergency needs, while the Inter-American Development Bank said it was prepared to provide $50 million for reconstruction.

Photo credit: AP