Colombia earthquake toll climbs as rescuers dig for survivors
Rescue teams searched collapsed buildings in western Colombia after Monday's magnitude 7.4 earthquake, described as the country's strongest this century. Reported death tolls varied: the BBC cited 180, France 24 at least 224 and Al Jazeera at least 254. Thousands remain missing, aftershocks continued on Tuesday, and rescuers had not reached some communities.
Why it matters
Diverging official counts are typical early in a disaster, and the number missing suggests the confirmed toll will rise substantially.
Sources
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Part of the August 12, 2026 brief.