Earthquake in Western Colombia: 294 Dead, 320 Missing

(Colombia, 16th) A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on the 10th, resulting in hundreds dead or missing. As rescue workers continue to retrieve bodies from collapsed buildings, hopes of finding survivors are fading.

Since the earthquake, Colombia has recorded 269 aftershocks, posing even greater risks for rescue workers and volunteers searching among the unstable rubble.

The Colombian Disaster Management Agency estimated on the 15th that the earthquake has caused at least 294 deaths, 320 missing, and nearly 4,000 injuries. More than two-thirds of the deaths occurred in the cities of Cali and Pereira.

The chief of the Cali Fire Department, Hernandez, said: "At present, signs of life have been found at only one location. As for the other sites, we regret to say that we have entered the stage of searching for bodies."

The earthquake caused widespread damage to western Colombia, with remote and isolated communities being especially hard-hit.

Colombian President De la Espriella, in a phone call with US President Trump, requested the US temporarily suspend tariffs on Colombian goods to alleviate the economic impact of the major earthquake on local businesses. The White House has yet to respond.