7.4-magnitude earthquake in Chocó: death toll climbs to 294
UNGRD reports 3,935 injured, 320 missing and more than 115,000 people affected after the magnitude-7.4 quake.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck Colombia's Chocó region on Monday, and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) reported the death toll has risen to 294.
UNGRD said 3,935 people were injured and 320 are listed as missing following the quake. The agency also reported that a total of 115,461 people have been affected by the disaster.
Widespread damage to housing
According to UNGRD figures, 14,493 homes were destroyed and another 81,506 sustained damage. Authorities are using these assessments to prioritise relief and shelter needs in the hardest-hit areas.
Local and national response teams are coordinating rescue and relief efforts in the Chocó region, where communications and transport challenges complicate access to some communities.
UNGRD's latest consolidated numbers form the basis for emergency planning as humanitarian agencies and government bodies prepare aid distributions and temporary accommodation for tens of thousands of displaced residents.
Photo: press material from the event
