A magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia has killed 132 people and left 570 injured.
The death toll is expected to change as search-and-rescue teams continue working in the worst-hit areas, with fears that more people may be trapped beneath the rubble.
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Pereira is one of the hardest-hit cities, with at least 60 deaths reported there. Nationwide, the earthquake has destroyed at least 86 buildings and damaged more than 1,500 homes.
Pereira, Cali, Quibdo, Manizales and Armenia have been placed on red alert because of the scale of the emergency.
Firefighters, rescue teams and military forces are searching collapsed buildings for survivors. Efforts to assess the damage have been hampered by damage to roads and communication lines in several areas.
The impact has also been felt across healthcare infrastructure. Pediatric facilities at a hospital in Cali were damaged, prompting the activation of emergency services.
The Colombian government has declared a national state of catastrophe and deployed military troops to the affected areas. Rescuing trapped people and assisting affected residents have been identified as the main priorities.
16 people rescued after six hours on a cable car
One of the most difficult rescue operations took place in Pereira, where 16 passengers remained trapped for about six hours in the cabins of an aerial cable car after strong tremors.
Their evacuation was successfully completed at around 1:30 p.m. local time, according to local authorities. Cable-car service has been suspended until safety inspections are completed.
A similar incident was also reported in Manizales. Cable-car passengers were removed from the cabins, while the service was suspended after structural damage was identified.
Seven airports suspend flights
The seismic shock caused significant disruptions to air transport. Seven airports in Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura temporarily suspended flights to carry out safety inspections.
The suspension of operations at these airports is making it more difficult to send rescue teams, medical personnel and aid to the worst-affected areas.
Epicenter near San José del Palmar; tremors felt beyond Colombia
The earthquake struck on Monday morning, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó, about 240 kilometers west of Bogotá.
The tremors were felt across a wide area, also affecting Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
In Bogotá, thousands of people were evacuated from buildings and took to the streets after alarms were activated. According to authorities, mostly superficial damage was recorded in the capital, with no evidence of widespread destruction.
The emergency is one of the first major tests for Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Esperanza, who had been sworn in just days earlier.
The president said he was personally leading the response and ordered the establishment of a unified operations center to coordinate rescue teams.
He also said he would travel to the worst-hit areas.
“You are not alone. The state is present and taking action,” the president declared.
Residents have described moments of panic following the earthquake. In some affected areas, people have been left without electricity or telephone service.
US pledges $15.5 million in aid
The international community has begun mobilizing support for Colombia. The United States has announced a $15.5 million aid package, including temporary shelters, food, protective equipment and assistance in assessing the damage.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration was closely monitoring the situation and was ready to help the Colombian people.
Mexico and Israel have also declared their readiness to contribute aid, while other countries have expressed their solidarity.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims and expressed support for the injured and the teams taking part in the rescue operations.
Searches beneath the rubble are continuing without pause. Colombian authorities warn that the death toll may change in the coming hours as teams reach isolated areas and search collapsed buildings.
