Colombia earthquake death toll rises as rescue efforts continue

Rescue teams in Colombia are searching through rubble following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck near San José del Palmar on August 10. The seismic event, centered roughly 107 kilometers underground, damaged numerous structures across multiple municipalities and was felt in neighboring Ecuador. A national state of emergency remains in effect as military units and emergency personnel clear debris to locate trapped survivors.

Casualty figures varied across initial reports as response efforts unfolded. Early counts placed the death toll at 20, while subsequent updates from local authorities and international monitors raised confirmed fatalities to 132, and later to at least 164, with over 500 people injured. Officials caution that casualties may increase as rescue teams reach remote areas.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.