BOGOTA: Colombia’s disaster management unit said more than two-thirds of the reported deaths were recorded in the cities of Cali and Pereira, where rescue teams are continuing to search for missing people and recover victims from the rubble.
Cali fire chief Alberto Hernandez said signs of possible survivors are now concentrated in just one location, while search operations at other sites have shifted toward recovering bodies.
Authorities are also beginning to shift their focus from emergency rescue operations to recovery and reconstruction, while addressing the widespread damage caused by the disaster.
Read More
- Kochi-Abu Dhabi Air India Express flight makes emergency return after engine shutdown
- Five killed as Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami airport
- El Niño threatens UK food supplies as farmers cut production
- Nepal-China flood disaster death toll climbs to 1,387
- Spain extends border checks on travellers from Italy until September 22
Rescue workers are continuing to contend with aftershocks, which have complicated search and recovery efforts.
The earthquake struck western Colombia with its epicentre in San Jose del Palmar in the Choco region, causing buildings to collapse and extensive damage to homes, public facilities and infrastructure across several areas.
The disaster is among the worst natural calamities to hit Colombia in recent years.
