Colombia (GNP): Rescue workers across western Colombia are racing against time to free survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings after a powerful earthquake struck the region on Monday, killing more than 180 people. The magnitude 7.4 quake hit at 07:34 local time and was felt across a vast stretch of western Colombia, with aftershocks continuing to be recorded into Tuesday.
While the confirmed death toll stands at 181, figures compiled from local officials suggest the true number could be significantly higher, potentially exceeding 240.
President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency and confirmed that nearly 2,600 people have been injured, with almost 200 still unaccounted for. Authorities said more than 1,100 homes have been destroyed and over 8,000 others damaged, with dozens of larger structures collapsing across the country. Many residents in affected cities spent Monday night outdoors, either because their homes were destroyed or out of fear of further building collapses.
Cali, a city of 2.2 million people, has recorded 95 deaths and emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas. Local authorities set up a unified command post to coordinate rescue operations, with the city’s mayor reporting that 239 people remained trapped, 949 were injured, and 45 buildings had either partially or fully collapsed.
Several upper floors of one of the city’s hospitals, including sections used for paediatric care, came down during the quake, trapping patients inside. In the Calima neighbourhood, four children died and around 30 others were referred to care centres with injuries after part of a school building collapsed. Local officials have imposed an overnight curfew in the area to prevent looting during the recovery period.
Also Read: Colombia Earthquake Leaves Widespread Destruction Across Western Region
Aftershocks have continued to rattle the country, with Colombia’s geological service recording more than 70 since the initial quake, including two of magnitude 3.6 early on Tuesday. In Pereira, another of the worst-affected cities, the local fire department has confirmed 79 deaths, and authorities have introduced a car-free day to allow rescue teams to operate more freely.
Volunteers have joined emergency crews in large numbers to help clear rubble and search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. Five deaths were also reported in Manizales, where sixty buildings sustained partial or total damage, and local officials have urged the public not to circulate unverified information on social media that could add to public alarm.
International support has continued to arrive as the recovery effort progresses. The United Nations Secretary-General expressed solidarity with the Colombian government and people, while Spain’s foreign ministry reported that more than 160 of its citizens remained unaccounted for, with no confirmed casualties among them so far. The United States has pledged a donation of over fifteen million dollars to support Colombia’s response, and additional offers of assistance have come from neighbouring countries including Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador and Venezuela.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
