Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 265, With Nearly 500 People Still Missing

According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the death toll from the earthquake that struck western Colombia last Monday has risen to 265. Authorities are continuing intensive search and rescue operations as nearly 500 people remain missing, with many believed to be trapped beneath the debris of collapsed structures.

The disaster has prompted a significant emergency response, with local teams and international aid organizations working to navigate the difficult terrain in the affected western provinces. Rescue efforts have been hampered by aftershocks and the structural instability of damaged buildings, which continue to pose risks to both survivors and first responders.

Government officials in Bogota have declared a state of emergency to expedite the flow of resources to the impacted areas. As the search enters a critical phase, the focus remains on locating survivors in the rubble, while local hospitals struggle to manage the influx of injured individuals. Further updates on the recovery efforts are expected as communication lines are restored in the most isolated regions.