Colombia earthquake death toll passes 180 as rescuers race to find survivors
More than 180 people are confirmed dead after Monday's powerful earthquake in Colombia, with local officials estimating the toll could exceed 240. The government has declared a state of emergency.
Rescue teams in Colombia are racing against time to reach survivors trapped under rubble after a powerful earthquake struck the country on Monday. The magnitude 7.4 quake hit at 07:34 local time and was felt across a wide area of western Colombia, with aftershocks continuing into Tuesday.
The confirmed death toll stands at more than 180, most of them in the cities of Cali and Pereira, though figures compiled from local officials suggest the real number could be higher than 240. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency. Speaking from Pereira on Tuesday, he said nearly 2,600 people had been injured and almost 200 remained missing. More than 1,100 homes have been destroyed and over 8,000 damaged.
Cali and Pereira hit hardest
In Cali, a city of 2.2 million people, a joint command centre has been set up to coordinate the rescue effort after 95 deaths were recorded there. Mayor Alejandro Eder said on Tuesday that 239 people remained trapped, 949 had been injured, and 45 buildings had partially or completely collapsed. Upper floors of a hospital, including a paediatric ward, also came down, trapping patients inside. In the Calima neighbourhood, four children died when part of the Gimnasio Calima school collapsed, and 30 others were taken for medical care. A curfew running from 20:00 until Wednesday morning has been imposed locally to prevent looting.
In Manizales, five people were killed and 60 buildings partially or fully collapsed. The city's mayor urged residents not to spread unverified information on social media amid continuing aftershocks.
International response
The UN Secretary-General expressed solidarity with Colombia and said the organisation was supporting the government's response. Spain's foreign minister said 164 Spanish nationals remained unaccounted for, though no Spanish citizens were reported injured or killed. The United States has pledged $15.5m in aid, while Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador and Venezuela have also offered assistance.
