Colombia Earthquake: 180 Dead, Rescues Underway
A 7.4‑magnitude seismic event struck western Colombia on Monday morning at 07:34 local time, sending devastation across cities such as Cali and Pereira. Official figures put the confirmed death toll at 180, though aggregated data from local officials suggest the number could exceed 240.
Rescue teams in Cali have established a unified command center and are working tirelessly to free survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. Firefighters have removed rubble from damaged buildings and rescues have begun in the hospital’s collapsed upper floors and the Gimnasio Calima school, where four children lost their lives.
More than 2,600 people were reported injured, nearly 200 remain missing, and more than 1,100 homes were destroyed with 8,000 additional structures damaged. The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency, and President Abelardo de la Espriella has called for continued vigilance against further aftershocks, of which more than 70 have already been recorded.
A car‑free day has been instituted in Pereira to facilitate search operations, and volunteers have joined efforts across the country. International support is pouring in: the United Nations, Spain, Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela have all offered assistance, while the United States announced a $15.5 million aid package.
In the aftermath, citizens have been urged to stay away from damaged buildings and to verify the authenticity of social media posts to prevent panic. The municipal governments remain ready to coordinate emergency responses while communities endure the continued tremor risk.
