Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 224, Over 2,700 Unaccounted For

The catastrophic earthquake that struck Colombia has now

The catastrophic earthquake that struck Colombia has now claimed the lives of 224 people, with rescue teams scrambling to locate more than 2,700 individuals still listed as missing, according to the latest official figures released on Wednesday.

The 7.4-magnitude tremor, which hit the Andean nation on Tuesday, toppled homes, churches, and commercial structures across several provinces, leaving a trail of debris and shattered infrastructure. In the hardest-hit towns, entire city blocks have been reduced to rubble, and emergency workers are using heavy machinery and their bare hands to search for survivors beneath the wreckage.

Authorities have confirmed that the death toll is likely to rise as communication with remote villages improves and search operations expand. The disaster management agency reported that at least 1,200 people have been treated for injuries, with hundreds more in critical condition at overwhelmed local hospitals that are struggling with power outages and supply shortages.

The quake’s epicenter was located in a mountainous

The quake’s epicenter was located in a mountainous region, triggering landslides that have blocked key roads and hampered the delivery of food, water, and medical aid. Military helicopters have been deployed to airlift supplies and evacuate the wounded, while international relief teams have offered assistance, though access remains a challenge.

President Gustavo Petro has declared a state of emergency in the affected zones and pledged swift government support, vowing to rebuild the damaged communities. Meanwhile, survivors are spending their second night in temporary shelters, recounting harrowing stories of the moment buildings gave way around them.

Geologists warn that aftershocks, some as strong as magnitude 5.9, could continue for days, raising the risk of further collapses. As the search-and-rescue operation enters its most critical phase, officials are urging residents to stay clear of unstable structures and to report any signs of people trapped beneath the rubble.