The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to at least 181, as rescue teams continue a desperate search for people trapped under collapsed buildings.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at 07:34 local time on Monday and was felt across hundreds of miles of the country. More than 70 aftershocks have since been recorded, raising fears of further building collapses.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, speaking from the hard-hit city of Pereira on Tuesday, said nearly 2,600 people had been injured and almost 200 remained missing.
More than 1,100 homes have been destroyed, while over 8,000 others have suffered damage. The government has declared a state of emergency as authorities coordinate rescue and relief operations.
Cali and Pereira are among the worst-affected cities.
In Cali, where 95 deaths have been recorded, authorities established a unified command post to coordinate rescue efforts. Mayor Alejandro Eder said 239 people were still trapped, while 949 others had been injured.
At least 45 buildings in Cali have either completely or partially collapsed. Parts of a hospital, including areas dedicated to paediatric care, also collapsed, leaving some patients trapped.
Four children were killed when part of the Gimnasio Calima school in northern Cali collapsed. Another 30 children were taken to medical facilities with serious injuries.
Authorities have imposed a night-time curfew in the affected neighbourhood to prevent looting and maintain security.
In Pereira, 79 deaths have been reported by the city’s fire department. Hundreds of volunteers have joined professional rescuers in removing rubble and searching for survivors.
The city has also introduced a car-free day to allow emergency teams to move more easily through affected areas.
Manizales has reported five deaths, with 60 buildings partially or completely collapsed.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid spreading unverified information about the disaster, warning that false reports could cause further panic.
International assistance has also begun arriving. The United Nations has expressed solidarity with Colombia and said it is supporting the government’s response.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said 164 Spanish citizens remained unaccounted for, although there had been no reports of deaths or injuries among them.
The United States has announced $15.5 million in aid for Colombia, while Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador and Venezuela have also offered assistance.
Rescue operations are expected to continue as authorities race against time to locate survivors amid ongoing aftershocks and the risk of further structural collapses.
SOURCE: BBC