Now Reading: Colombia’s strongest quake in century kills over 200
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Colombia’s strongest quake in century kills over 200
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing more than 200 people and leaving over 2,700 missing. The Hindu reports that the quake, the strongest recorded in the country…
The Story in Brief
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing more than 200 people and leaving over 2,700 missing. The Hindu reports that the quake, the strongest recorded in the country in the 21st century, damaged or destroyed about 1,600 buildings across Cali, Pereira, Quibdo and other towns. Rescue workers and residents are digging through rubble by hand, passing concrete in long lines. The epicentre was in San Jose del Palmar, a poor community in the Choco region. The disaster is the first major challenge for President Abelardo de la Espriella, sworn in on August 7. The US has pledged $15.5 million in aid.
The Indian Opinion
News coverage highlights the new president's Trump ties, but that risks sidelining the real story: a poor, neglected region hit by a historic disaster. Choco, the epicentre, has long been overlooked by the state. The test now is not politics but logistics, how fast can rescue teams reach remote towns like El Cairo, where 80% of buildings are damaged. The number of survivors pulled from the rubble in the next 48 hours will reveal the true scale of this tragedy.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
