Bogota, August 14 (QNA) - The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday has risen to 287, while nearly 400 people remain missing.
Colombian authorities said Friday that more than two-thirds of the fatalities were recorded in the cities of Cali and Pereira. More than half of those injured are in major urban centers, while rescue teams in Pereira are racing against time to recover four people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed hotel, amid slim hopes of finding survivors.
Government figures highlight the scale of the disaster, which has destroyed or severely damaged tens of thousands of homes, schools, healthcare facilities and public infrastructure across western Colombia.
The widespread damage has placed significant strain on the region's infrastructure and forced thousands of families to seek shelter in temporary facilities or remain outdoors. A series of powerful aftershocks has further complicated rescue and relief operations, increasing the risk of additional collapses in already damaged buildings. (QNA)