A 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the Chocó region of western Colombia on August 10 has killed at least 265 people, injured more than 3,700 others, and left over 4,100 reported missing, according to the latest tallies as search and rescue operations continue.
The quake, Colombia's strongest in recent decades, caused extensive damage across Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales, collapsing roughly 1,600 buildings including the towers of a historic cathedral in Manizales. Colombia's newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, declared a state of national disaster and has personally led emergency response efforts just days into his term.
Rescue crews have continued pulling survivors from rubble more than 30 hours after the initial quake, including a dramatic rescue of a baby in Cali. More than 70 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial tremor, complicating recovery efforts in some of the country's hardest-to-reach regions.
International leaders across the US, South America, Europe, and the Middle East have pledged support for ongoing rescue operations, as authorities warn the death toll is likely to continue rising.