The death toll from a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to at least 111, while rescuers continued searching collapsed buildings on Monday for people who may still be trapped.
The earthquake struck shortly after 7:30am local time across parts of Colombia’s coffee region and Pacific coast.
At least 1,500 buildings were damaged, with several cities reporting collapsed structures and widespread destruction.
President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just three days ago, declared a state of emergency and ordered a major rescue operation.
In Cali, residents joined firefighters and rescue teams, using picks, buckets and their bare hands to clear rubble.
At one damaged building, rescuers formed human chains to move bricks and pieces of concrete while stopping regularly to listen for people trapped underneath.
Andres Felipe Mejia, who joined the rescue effort, said rescuers heard a whistle from inside a collapsed building.
A man and a baby were later pulled out, while rescuers continued searching for another woman believed to be trapped inside.
The earthquake caused panic in several parts of the country. Furniture, clothing and other belongings were left buried under collapsed floors and walls, while cables and debris covered roads.
In Quibdo, where the shaking was particularly strong, residents rushed outside as buildings were damaged. Dentist Julian Pena said hundreds of people gathered in the streets and prayed after fleeing their homes.
The quake was also felt in Bogota, where many residents ran outside in their sleepwear.
Its effects were recorded in neighboring Ecuador and Panama as well.
The earthquake struck at a depth of about 110 kilometers (68 miles). Scientists at the US Geological Survey said it was likely linked to movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate.
Authorities placed hospitals in five Colombian cities on red alert and imposed a nighttime curfew in Cali.
Six local airports also suspended operations, according to the civil aviation authority.
The government warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue checking damaged and collapsed buildings.
The disaster has brought back memories of powerful earthquakes that hit neighboring Venezuela less than two months ago.
Those quakes killed more than 6,300 people and left tens of thousands homeless.
Colombian singer Shakira called for people to stand together following the disaster, sending a message of support to those affected.
International support has also begun to arrive.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was closely monitoring the situation and was ready to help Colombia. The United States later announced $15.5 million in emergency assistance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union had activated its Copernicus satellite service to support rescue operations.
Israel, Mexico, Ecuador and France also offered assistance.
All upcoming professional football matches in Colombia have been postponed as the country deals with the aftermath of the earthquake.
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