Why the earthquake in Colombia was so destructive: experts explained the reason for the collapse of so many buildings

Following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday, rescue operations entered their crucial final phase on Wednesday as search teams raced against the 72-hour window to find survivors under collapsed buildings. The disaster resulted in 281 deaths, 3,824 injuries, and 379 disappearances, plunging the affected regions into a severe humanitarian crisis.

Beyond the immediate casualties, the earthquake left thousands displaced. In the Reserva de Meléndez residential complex in Cali, approximately 200 families have spent two consecutive nights sleeping in tents outside their ruined apartment buildings. The human toll is also reflected in the psychological impact on children, such as nine-year-old Sebastián, who cope with the destruction through art while dealing with the loss of their homes.