Rescue operations continued across western Colombia on Tuesday as emergency workers searched through collapsed buildings and destroyed homes for survivors following a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that has killed at least 164 people.
The earthquake struck Colombia’s coffee-growing region early Monday, becoming one of the country’s strongest earthquakes in decades. The disaster caused widespread destruction in cities including Cali, Pereira and Manizales, with rescuers working through the night to reach people trapped beneath the rubble.
Emergency teams, supported by police officers, soldiers and volunteers, used heavy machinery and their bare hands to search collapsed structures for survivors.
Cali among worst-hit cities
In Cali, a city of around 2.2 million people, at least 85 deaths have been reported. Several buildings were destroyed or left dangerously damaged, forcing residents to remain outdoors amid fears of further collapses.
A hospital in the city was also severely damaged, with several upper floors, including areas used for paediatric care, collapsing.
Hospital director Irne Torres Castro told Colombian media that some patients and medical workers were trapped, while around 600 other patients had to be treated outside among the rubble.
Carmen Yasmin Garcia, a 43-year-old Cali resident volunteering with rescue teams, said her group had rescued seven people from a collapsed building. However, four people and a dog remained trapped.
“There was scratching a moment ago, but now we can’t hear anything. We still have faith that the dog is alive and that we can get these people out,” Garcia said.
She appealed for more people and equipment to assist rescue teams.
Pereira suffers heavy destruction
Pereira, the capital of Risaralda province, has also suffered extensive damage, with authorities reporting 66 deaths.
Entire residential blocks were reduced to concrete rubble and twisted metal, while numerous buildings were badly damaged.
Videos verified by Reuters showed the city’s airport shaking violently during the earthquake, with sections of the ceiling collapsing as people sought shelter.
Another 13 deaths were reported in Choco, the rural province closest to the earthquake’s epicentre.
Colombia earthquake kills more than 100, leaves dozens of buildings collapsed
Security forces deployed amid looting reports
Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, who assumed office only days ago, said 1,000 security personnel would be deployed to Cali following reports of looting.
Cali and Pereira imposed curfews on Monday night as authorities worked to maintain order and assist affected residents.
“Our intention is to cooperate in any way necessary. Here, there are no distinctions or ideological divisions when it comes to defending our people or showing solidarity,” De La Espriella told reporters.
PM Shehbaz Sharif expresses condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the earthquake in Colombia.
In a statement shared on X, the prime minister conveyed condolences to Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, the people of Colombia and families who lost loved ones.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and all those affected by this tragedy. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia in this difficult hour,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
Colombia earthquake raises fears of further casualties
Authorities expect the death toll to rise as rescue teams continue searching collapsed structures and damaged buildings.
The devastation has drawn comparisons with the deadly 1999 earthquake that struck Colombia’s coffee-growing region and killed more than 1,000 people.
Rescue workers remain focused on locating survivors, while authorities assess the full scale of damage and work to provide emergency assistance to thousands of people affected by the disaster.
