Fairfax County search team deploys to Colombia after deadly earthquake
Fairfax County search team deploys to Colombia after deadly earthquake
An elite search and rescue team from Virginia is heading to Colombia to assist with search efforts following a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake. With nearly 200 people confirmed dead and thousands still missing, international crews and local volunteers are working against the clock to find survivors under the rubble.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - Fairfax County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team has deployed a 10‑person disaster coordination and structural engineering assessment team to western Colombia following Monday’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake.
What they're saying:
Officials say the quake caused widespread destruction—collapsing buildings, buckling roads and crushing vehicles—and left thousands homeless.
On Tuesday, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 181 people were killed and 2,595 injured. He said 195 people remained missing, though civilian‑run databases estimate the number could be closer to 4,000.
First responders and community volunteers are scrambling to find survivors, though efforts have been strained by a lack of heavy digging equipment, they say.
What's next:
The United Nations is now gearing up for a major recovery effort as officials warn the overall impact of the earthquake is far worse than initially thought.
Dig deeper:
Virginia Task Force 1 most recently deployed to Venezuela, responding to two earthquakes that struck on June 24 and 26 that killed more than 6,300 people.
The Source: Information in this article comes from VA-TF1 / USA-01, The Associated Press and previous FOX 5 reporting.