Colombia earthquake death toll reaches 294 as search teams lose hope of finding survivors
Five days after the powerful quake struck western Colombia, authorities report 294 dead, 320 still missing and nearly 4,000 injured.
The death toll from the earthquake that struck western Colombia five days ago has climbed to 294, with 320 people still missing and nearly 4,000 injured, according to authorities. Search-and-rescue teams continue to work through collapsed buildings, but officials have warned that hopes of finding survivors are fading.
The scale of the disaster has made it the first major crisis for President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration, which took office on 7 August. Questions are mounting over the speed and coordination of the emergency response and the level of support reaching affected communities.
International outlets including The Guardian and Qatar News Agency have been tracking the situation closely, with coverage updated through Sunday. The disaster has drawn attention from across the region as Colombia works through what is shaping up to be one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent memory.
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Reportado por El Paisa, nuestro corresponsal colombiano.
