Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 130 Dead and 570 Injured

The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia has left at least 132 people dead and 570 injured, according to the latest provisional figures from Colombian authorities. 

Emergency teams continue to work against the clock to locate possible survivors trapped beneath the rubble in the worst-affected areas.

The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit Colombia in the past decade, has caused extensive damage across the western part of the country. 

So far, 61 buildings have collapsed, while 18 healthcare facilities have been damaged and 52 educational institutions have reported damage. 

In addition, six airports have suffered infrastructure damage, forcing commercial flight operations at those facilities to be suspended.

Pereira, Cali and Manizales among worst-hit areas

The earthquake has particularly affected several cities in western Colombia, including Pereira, Cali and Manizales, as well as municipalities across the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Chocó and Valle del Cauca.

In Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities, much of the population remains without electricity. Dozens of volunteers and rescue workers are searching through collapsed buildings with flashlights in an effort to detect signs of life.

The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. on Monday local time, according to Colombian and United States geological services. Its epicentre was located in the department of Chocó.

In Manizales, nearly 20 structures have been partially or completely destroyed, while more than 50 others are considered at risk of collapse.

Rescue teams search for survivors

Search and rescue operations are continuing, particularly in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. Emergency crews are working alongside hundreds of volunteers to clear rubble and locate people who may be trapped.

Rescuers are using search dogs and basic tools while forming human chains to remove debris from collapsed buildings. At several locations, rescuers have called for silence to try to detect possible signs of life beneath the rubble.

Authorities have reported 188 people missing in Cali alone, although the figure could change as rescue teams locate victims and communications are restored.

Six-year-old child among those killed

Among the victims is Mateo Valencia Valencia, a six-year-old boy and the son of Leonel Valencia, mayor of Bahía Solano, in the department of Chocó.

The child died after the building where he was located collapsed during the earthquake. Chocó Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi confirmed that the department has recorded 13 deaths.

The disaster has triggered scenes of desperation as families attempt to locate relatives and loved ones in the affected areas.

Colombia activates emergency response

Given the scale of the disaster, Colombian authorities have deployed emergency, rescue and assistance teams across the worst-affected areas.

The earthquake also represents the first major emergency facing Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office last Friday.

The United States has announced $15.5 million in aid for emergency shelters, food and assistance for those affected. Other Latin American governments have also expressed their willingness to support Colombia.