Colombia Earthquake: Survivors recall horror after disaster kills 111
Key Takeaways
- Survivors recalled hearing a loud roar before buildings collapsed.
- The 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 111 people.
- More than 1,500 homes were damaged across Colombia.
Residents described hearing a deafening roar before homes collapsed and families fled for safety during the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
"At 07:30 I was getting out of my bed when, all of a sudden, people started shouting. There was a tremendous roar."
That is how Cali resident Jonathan Molina described the moment a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, leaving at least 111 people dead and causing widespread destruction.
Molina said he watched homes begin to collapse as residents rushed to escape.
"Tough, to be honest. People were running. I only saw pieces of the houses falling," he said.
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Another resident, Estiven Moreno, said the earthquake caused extensive damage across Cali.
"So far, 20 structures have been reported as completely collapsed, 27 affected. Hospital networks are also affected," he noted.
Moreno added that patients had to be evacuated from buildings at risk of collapse.
"At the Los Colores building, many patients were able to be brought down and treated on the pavements because there was a chance that structure would collapse," he said.
As the shaking stopped, residents joined emergency crews to remove rubble while rescuers searched for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
According to the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), the earthquake had its epicentre in San José del Palmar, Chocó.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said the disaster has left 111 people dead, 87 injured, 1,575 homes damaged and 61 buildings collapsed nationwide.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
