Rescuers scramble for survivors with 180 dead in Colombia earthquake

Rescue teams in Colombia are racing against time to free survivors trapped in buildings and rubble following a powerful earthquake that struck on Monday. Over 180 deaths have been confirmed, primarily in the cities of Cali and Pereira. The magnitude 7.4 quake was felt across a vast area, with aftershocks still being reported on Tuesday.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency, with over 2,600 people injured and nearly 200 still missing. More than 1,100 homes were destroyed, and over 8,000 damaged. Overnight on Monday into Tuesday, numerous individuals slept outdoors due to destruction or fear of further collapses. Dozens of larger buildings have collapsed nationwide.

In Cali, a city of 2.2 million people where 95 deaths have occurred, a unified command post has been established to coordinate the rescue effort. Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that 239 people remain trapped, with 949 injured and 45 buildings collapsed. Sanitary facilities in one of the city's hospitals, including a pediatric area, collapsed, leaving some patients trapped.

To prevent looting, a curfew was implemented in Cali, starting at 8 PM and ending at 6 AM the following morning. Additional minor tremors were felt in Cali on Tuesday. Pereira reported 79 deaths, and the city enforced a car-free day for the search and rescue operations.