The death toll from Colombia’s strongest earthquake in a decade has risen to 132, with more than 570 people injured as rescuers continued searching damaged buildings for survivors.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia shortly after 7:30am on Monday, sending residents running into the streets and causing widespread damage across several cities.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and ordered a major rescue operation. The death toll had earlier been reported at 111.
Pereira was among the worst-hit areas. Large parts of the city lost electricity overnight as volunteers and rescue workers searched collapsed buildings and listened for people trapped beneath the rubble.
“We`re without power. This seems honestly like a zombie city,” resident Juan David Gaitan told AFP.
In the coffee-growing region, residents described scenes of panic and destruction. Buildings were left with cracked walls or collapsed floors, while furniture, cables and other debris covered streets.
The earthquake also damaged a tower of the neo-Gothic cathedral in Manizales.
In Quibdo, local official Jenny Rivas said public services and communications were almost completely disrupted. Residents described people fleeing homes in panic as buildings shook violently.
In Cali, volunteers joined emergency workers with basic tools to search for survivors. Rescue teams formed human chains to clear bricks and concrete by hand, stopping regularly to listen for signs of life.
“We are trying to get everyone out alive,” volunteer Andres Felipe Mejia said.
Another volunteer, Nelson Moreno, said people arrived with food, supplies and basic equipment to help firefighters and rescue teams. He said more flashlights and protective goggles were needed for the overnight search.
The earthquake was felt in Bogota, where many residents rushed outside in their night clothes. It was also felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at a depth of about 110 kilometres and was likely linked to movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate.
Authorities placed hospitals in five cities on red alert and imposed a night-time curfew in Cali. At least six airports also suspended operations.
The disaster has drawn international support. The United States announced $15.5 million in emergency aid, while the European Union activated its Copernicus satellite service to assist rescue efforts. Israel, Mexico, Ecuador and France also offered help.
The earthquake came less than two months after two powerful quakes struck neighbouring Venezuela, killing more than 6,300 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
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