Colombia earthquake death toll rises to 304

The death toll from the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on 10 August has risen to 304, with 4,548 people injured and 426 others still missing, according to the country’s disaster management agency on Tuesday (18/8).

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said on Monday (17/8) evening that around a third of Colombia’s territory was affected by the earthquake, which was centred in San Jose del Palmar, Choco Department.

He said initial estimates indicate direct economic losses from the earthquake reached nearly 30 trillion Colombian pesos (100 Colombian pesos = Rp580), including 24.5 trillion pesos in building damage and 5.5 trillion pesos in infrastructure damage.

“This is an initial figure that will be adjusted as we obtain more information,” he said.

Humanitarian aid from within and outside Colombia continues to arrive in the worst-affected areas. Meanwhile, search and rescue teams are still deployed at a number of locations where victims are believed to be trapped under rubble.