Death Toll Rises Following Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake in Colombia

The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday has risen to between 285 and 288 people, according to reports from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). The disaster has left approximately 4,000 people injured, with one report specifying 3,975 wounded and another citing 4,018. The earthquake's epicenter was located in San Jose del Palmar, in the province of Choco. Search and rescue operations continue, though UNGRD Director David Tamayo noted that the probability of finding survivors is decreasing. Current data indicates 354 people remain missing, while 348 have been rescued. Of the 260 bodies received by the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 246 have been identified, including 17 minors. President Abelardo De La Espriella visited Pereira, one of the hardest hit cities, where he promised government aid for rent and the reconstruction of homes, schools, and hospitals. Center leaning coverage frames the event as a first major test for the newly elected right wing president, noting he has faced criticism regarding his initial response to the disaster. Center right leaning coverage focuses more on the technical details of the rescue efforts and the specific statistics provided by authorities.