
A powerful earthquake has struck Colombia, resulting in at least 169 confirmed deaths and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. Rescue teams are currently working under difficult conditions to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris of collapsed structures. The scale of the disaster, described as one of the largest seismic events to hit the country in recent years, has triggered a massive mobilization of emergency services.
In the city of Cali, which has been identified as one of the worst-hit areas, residents have shared harrowing accounts of the tremors. Footage circulating from the region shows families fleeing their homes as the ground shook, with many structures sustaining catastrophic damage. The search for survivors remains the primary focus, with local authorities and international aid groups coordinating efforts to clear rubble and provide medical assistance to the injured.
As the death toll continues to rise, the government has called for calm while emphasizing the urgency of the rescue operations. The disaster has left thousands displaced, and officials are working to establish temporary shelters for those who have lost their homes. The international community is monitoring the situation closely as Colombia grapples with the aftermath of this significant natural disaster.
The core event of a major earthquake in Colombia with significant casualties is corroborated by multiple independent reports from BBC and Al Jazeera. The specific detail regarding the family's escape is consistent with the broader reporting on the disaster's impact in affected regions like Cali.
Original report: BBC