Colombia earthquake death toll reaches 289, with 3,935 injured and 320 missing as rescue teams and volunteers support affected communities.

The Colombia earthquake has killed at least 298 people, injured 3,935 and left 320 missing, according to the latest report from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, known as UNGRD.

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck on August 10 at approximately 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó.

The earthquake was felt across large areas of Colombia, including the western and central regions. Strong shaking affected cities and municipalities in Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío.

The UNGRD said the disaster had affected 115,461 people in 448 municipalities across 15 departments. More than 54,000 families were listed as victims or otherwise affected by the emergency.

The number of victims is expected to change as rescue teams reach isolated communities, search collapsed buildings and complete technical evaluations of the damage.

The official balance released on Saturday increased the death toll by six from the previous report. It also confirmed that 353 people had been rescued during the continuing search and rescue operation.

The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes and public buildings. Authorities recorded 81,506 damaged homes and 14,493 destroyed residences, while 66 buildings collapsed completely.

The destruction has displaced thousands of families and forced many communities to seek temporary shelter in schools, public buildings, sports facilities and open areas.

The crisis has also affected critical infrastructure. The UNGRD reported damage to 241 health centers, 2,612 educational institutions and 3,621 community facilities.

The damage to medical centers has complicated emergency care at a time when hospitals are receiving large numbers of injured people.

Schools have also been closed in several areas because of structural risks. Some educational facilities are being used as shelters or distribution centers for food, water and other supplies.

The transportation network suffered severe disruption. Authorities reported damage to 298 roads, 59 aqueducts, 44 vehicle bridges and five pedestrian bridges.

The destruction of roads and bridges has made it difficult to reach rural areas and deliver emergency supplies. Some communities remain isolated because landslides, collapsed structures and damaged routes have blocked access.

Five airports were also affected by the earthquake. The damage has complicated the movement of rescue personnel, medical teams, equipment and humanitarian aid.

The UNGRD has activated satellite-monitoring cooperation to improve its assessment of the affected areas. The International Charter on Space and Major Disasters provides access to satellite imagery that can help authorities identify damaged infrastructure and isolated communities.

The Colombia earthquake has triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation involving national and local authorities, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, medical workers and community volunteers.

Emergency teams continue searching for people believed to be trapped beneath the ruins of homes and public buildings. The operation is becoming more difficult as time passes, but authorities remain focused on locating survivors and recovering victims.

International assistance has also been approved. The UNGRD said Colombia would receive support from certified search and rescue teams from the United States, Ecuador and Israel.

Specialized teams can provide equipment for detecting people beneath rubble, removing concrete and stabilizing damaged structures.

Rescuers must work carefully because buildings damaged by the earthquake may collapse without warning. Engineers inspect structures before teams enter, while emergency personnel establish safety perimeters around unstable sites.

The recovery of survivors is only one part of the response. Teams are also providing medical care, evacuating residents from dangerous areas and assessing whether homes can be safely occupied.

Authorities are conducting technical censuses to identify the extent of the destruction and determine which families require shelter, food, water, medical services and financial assistance.

The earthquake has also affected animals. Official records list 578 animals impacted, of which 188 had been rescued by Saturday.

Veterinary teams and animal-protection groups have been working alongside rescue crews to remove animals from damaged homes, provide treatment and reunite them with their owners.

The inclusion of animal rescue in the emergency response is important because many families refuse to leave damaged areas without their pets. Protecting animals can also help reduce the emotional burden on children and displaced families.

The humanitarian response has required the coordination of national institutions, municipal governments and local communities. Emergency shelters must receive food, drinking water, blankets, hygiene products and medicines.

Authorities are also monitoring sanitation conditions. Damaged aqueducts and overcrowded shelters can increase the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly among children and older people.

The loss of homes has created an urgent need for temporary housing. Families whose residences were destroyed cannot return until engineers certify that the structures are safe.

In rural areas, residents face additional challenges because emergency teams must travel long distances over damaged roads. Some communities have limited access to communication networks and may not yet have received full assistance.

The government has called on citizens to follow official instructions and avoid entering dangerous areas. It has also urged people to rely on verified information during the rescue and relief operation.