Colombia hospitals create temporary clinics after 7.4 magnitude earthquake kills 273

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing significant damage to hospitals and claiming at least 273 lives. The earthquake primarily affected the city of Cali, where the University Hospital of the Valle Evaristo Garcia suffered partial collapse, leaving it unable to serve most patients. With approximately 3,800 injuries reported and 377 people still missing, the urgency for medical care remains critical as the three-day rescue window closes.

Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca province, is one of the worst-hit areas, with 96 confirmed deaths and over 1,200 injuries. Local authorities have declared a "red alert for hospitals," as public medical facilities are at full capacity. The earthquake caused extensive structural damage, with around 45 buildings collapsing and 832 suffering varying degrees of harm. Amid this crisis, health workers at the affected hospitals are now focused on treating only patients requiring immediate attention, as many facilities are rendered off-limits.

Despite the devastation, a coordinated response by local health officials and government agencies is helping to stabilize the situation. The United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported on Wednesday that the hospital system in Cali has stabilized, with fewer new admissions and patients being discharged. Officials credit effective organization and the influx of volunteers for this progress, but they acknowledge that a red alert for hospitals remains in effect.

To manage the surge in patients, Cali's public health secretary, German Escobar, announced plans to create "expansion zones" around existing medical facilities. These zones utilize previously unused operating rooms and recovery areas to accommodate more patients. Additionally, temporary field clinics have been established in some private hospitals to further enhance capacity. As the city navigates the aftermath of the earthquake, the resilience of its healthcare system will be crucial for addressing the ongoing medical needs of the community.