Colombia earthquake kills at least 224 people, injures hundreds and damages 1,600 buildings as rescuers search for survivors.
Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Reaches 224 as Rescue Teams Search for Survivors
A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia has killed at least 224 people and caused widespread destruction across several regions, as emergency crews continue a desperate search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The earthquake struck at about 7:34am local time on Monday, with some of the worst damage reported in Cali, Pereira and the Choco region. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams reach remote communities and assess the full scale of the destruction.
More than 2,700 people were reported missing on citizen-run platforms, although officials stressed that the figure does not necessarily represent confirmed missing persons.
Colombia Earthquake Death Toll and Damage
Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, suffered significant damage. At least 35 deaths were reported there, while dozens of buildings were damaged or completely destroyed. Some structures were left dangerously unstable, forcing residents to leave their homes and spend time outside.
The Risaralda region, where Pereira is located, reported at least 40 deaths. Authorities also confirmed nine deaths in Choco, two in Caldas and one in Antioquia.
The number of injured has also increased sharply. While initial reports put the number of injured at around 87, officials later said approximately 700 people had been injured in Valle del Cauca alone.
Around 1,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed across the affected areas. Among the damaged structures were parts of a historic cathedral in Manizales.
A hospital in Cali also suffered serious structural damage when several upper floors collapsed. Some patients became trapped, while hundreds of others had to receive treatment outside the facility amid rubble and debris.
Rescue Teams Search for Survivors
Search and rescue operations continued throughout the night and into Tuesday as soldiers, firefighters, emergency workers, volunteers and relatives searched damaged buildings.
Rescuers have been using specialist equipment, search dogs and heavy machinery to locate people trapped beneath debris. In several locations, rescue workers have also relied on manual efforts because heavy equipment could not safely reach collapsed structures.
In Cali, volunteers formed human chains to remove bricks and concrete by hand. Rescue teams repeatedly stopped their work to listen for sounds from people who might still be alive beneath the rubble.
Firefighters reported that two women and two children were rescued from a collapsed building.
In Pereira, rescue workers said they were able to communicate with a boy trapped beneath a bakery. Cranes were brought in to remove dangerous sections of damaged buildings while teams worked to reach him safely.
Choco Faces Major Challenges
The Choco region is among the areas facing the greatest difficulties following the Colombia earthquake. The region is remote, and some communities can only be reached by boat or aircraft.
The earthquake’s epicentre was identified near San Jose del Palmar, a community with a population of roughly 4,800 people. The location has made it difficult for authorities to quickly determine the full extent of casualties and structural damage.
Emergency teams, engineers and search dogs have been sent into the region, while officials continue gathering information from isolated communities.
Authorities also recorded 21 aftershocks by late Monday and warned residents to remain prepared for additional tremors.
Colombia Declares State of Emergency
The Colombian government declared a national state of emergency and made search and rescue operations its immediate priority.
Nighttime curfews were introduced in Cali, Armenia and Manizales. Additional police and military personnel were deployed in Cali amid concerns about looting and public safety.
Hospitals in five cities were placed on red alert, while several airports were temporarily suspended to allow engineers to inspect their structures following the earthquake.
The government also announced rental assistance for people whose homes were damaged.
Local residents have played a major role in the emergency response. Volunteers have delivered food and supplies and helped professional rescue teams search collapsed buildings.
Several public events were postponed, including a major music festival in Cali and professional football matches, as authorities focused on emergency operations.
International Aid for Colombia
International support has begun arriving as Colombia responds to the disaster.
The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance to help provide shelter, food and other essential earthquake relief.
The European Union activated its satellite mapping service to assist authorities with damage assessments and rescue planning.
Governments across Latin America also offered assistance, including rescue teams, medical personnel, paramedics and emergency supplies.
The devastating Colombia earthquake has left thousands of people facing damaged homes, disrupted services and uncertainty about missing relatives. With rescue operations continuing, authorities remain focused on finding survivors, treating the injured and reaching communities that have been cut off by the destruction.
