Death toll from 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia rises to 51

BOGOTÁ, Colombia. — At least 27 people died in the Valle del Cauca department, in southwestern Colombia, as a result of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that shook much of the country this Monday, bringing the death toll to 51 nationwide.

The governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro, confirmed the figure during statements to journalists and explained that the balance corresponds to different municipalities in the department.

Read more: Death toll rises to 24 and dozens injured by the earthquake in Colombia

“In the department of Valle del Cauca (…) we have more or less 27 deceased people,” noted the official, who warned that this figure does not include possible fatalities in Cali, the regional capital.

Emergency agencies remain deployed in the affected areas, where they are carrying out search and rescue operations, in addition to assessing the damage caused by the strong earthquake.

The earthquake caused damage to homes, buildings, and other infrastructure in different parts of the Colombian territory. Authorities are keeping response protocols active while information on new damages and potential victims is being collected.

The death toll could rise as rescue teams enter the most affected areas and complete inspection and rescue efforts.

Colombian authorities urged the population to remain attentive to official reports and to follow the recommendations of emergency agencies.