Colombia in state of emergency as quake kills 111

Colombia declared a state of emergency on Monday following a devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck several cities in the coffee-producing region and along the Pacific coast. At least 111 people lost their lives and over 1,500 buildings were damaged, with the exact number of people buried under rubble remaining unknown.

Dentist Julian Pena described the powerful shaking that occurred just after 7:30am, as terrified residents raced into the streets. Authorities launched a massive rescue operation, putting hospitals on red alert and urging people to aid in the effort. The toll was expected to rise as rescuers continued searching for survivors among the collapsed structures.

Cali resident Andres Felipe Mejia recounted pulling out a man and a baby from a pancaked building, while a woman remained trapped. President Abelardo de la Esperidion, who took office just three days prior, vowed that Colombia would "move forward together." The quake's depth of 110km likely contributed to the widespread damage, and it was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama as well.

International aid flowed in from countries such as the United States, Israel, Mexico, France, and the European Union, with rescue teams utilizing satellite services to aid in the recovery efforts.