Magnitude 7.4 earthquake devastates Chocó, Colombia; over 250 dead
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Chocó Department of western Colombia early on August 13. The quake caused widespread structural failure in rural communities, with the death toll rising rapidly to 254 as rescuers reach isolated areas. President Gustavo Petro has declared a national disaster and three days of mourning. Efforts to reach survivors are hampered by landslides blocking major transit routes between Medellín and the Pacific coast, leaving thousands in need of urgent humanitarian aid.