Rescue teams in Colombia are racing against time to locate survivors trapped under debris following a massive magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck on Monday at 07:34 local time. While 181 fatalities have been officially confirmed, local reports suggest the death toll could climb past 240. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency as officials report nearly 2,600 injuries and almost 200 people still unaccounted for.
The impact has been widespread, with more than 1,100 homes destroyed and over 8,000 suffering structural damage. In Cali, which recorded 95 deaths, a unified command center is coordinating efforts to assist 239 trapped individuals. Tragically, a school collapse in the Calima neighborhood resulted in the deaths of four children. To ensure public safety, local authorities have mandated an overnight curfew.
Pereira has also been severely impacted, with 79 confirmed deaths and hundreds of volunteers aiding the recovery. Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas of Manizales reported five fatalities and significant structural failures, while urging citizens to rely only on official information sources. The nation remains on edge as the geological service reports over 70 aftershocks since the initial event.
The international community is mobilizing to provide aid. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has pledged support, and several nations, including Spain, Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela, are contributing to the relief effort. Additionally, the U.S. government has announced a $15.5 million contribution to assist in the emergency response.
