2 weeks ago
Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Nears 290 as Rescue Efforts Continue
A very big earthquake shook the country of Colombia.
It was so strong that buildings fell down in many cities.
Many people got hurt, and sadly, hundreds of people died.
Some people are still missing.
Helpers are looking through the broken buildings very carefully to find people.
They have to be careful because the buildings could fall down more.
The earthquake happened in the western part of Colombia.
The president is now helping the country recover and rebuild.
Rich people are giving money to help fix schools and hospitals.
People are also helping pets and animals that were hurt in the earthquake.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Monday morning in San Jose del Palmar, western Colombia.
Official estimates put the death toll at around 290, with more than 140 people still missing and 4,200 injured.
More than two-thirds of the deaths were concentrated in Cali and Pereira, where buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Search teams are combing rubble nearly a week later, with rescue efforts increasingly giving way to the recovery of bodies.
President Abelardo De La Espriella faces his first major crisis; billionaire Jaime Gilinski pledged 150 billion pesos ($47.75 million) for rebuilding.
- Who
- Residents of western Colombia, including Cali and Pereira, and President Abelardo De La Espriella.
- What
- A 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastated cities and towns, killing around 290 people and leaving many missing or injured.
- Where
- San Jose del Palmar, with damage from Buenaventura to Colombia's coffee-growing region and major western cities including Cali and Pereira.
- When
- Monday morning, nearly a week before Sunday, August 16.
- Why
- The earthquake was a natural disaster, and relief and reconstruction efforts are now underway.
Key facts
- Magnitude
- 7.4
- Epicenter
- San Jose del Palmar, Colombia
- Death toll
- Around 290
- Missing
- More than 140
- Injured
- 4,200
- Hardest-hit cities
- Cali and Pereira
- Gilinski donation
- 150 billion pesos ($47.75 million)
- Santo Domingo family pledge
- $32 million
Quotes
Cali fire department Captain Alberto Hernandez
Captain of the Cali fire department leading rescue efforts
“"Unfortunately, there are no signs of life. Miracles can happen, but honestly – as a believer and based on what we have seen – there is no indication that anyone is still alive."”
theprint.in
“"The earthquake took my father from me, but there are people worse off than me, left on the street, without family, without anything."”
theprint.in
President Abelardo De La Espriella
President of Colombia overseeing relief and reconstruction
“"Colombian billionaire banker Jaime Gilinski, who also controls food company Nutresa, would donate 150 billion pesos to rebuild hospitals and schools in Gilinski’s hometown Cali."”
theprint.in
Sources
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