Rescue teams in Colombia are racing to free survivors trapped beneath rubble after a powerful 7.4‑magnitude quake knocked out buildings across Cali, Pereira, and surrounding regions. The Ecuadorian‑scale disaster caused more than 180 confirmed deaths, primarily in Cali and Pereira, and nearly 2,600 injuries.
The tremor unleashed shaking that spread over hundreds of kilometres, and aftershocks of up to magnitude 3.6 continue to shake the region. Humanitarian agencies and local authorities are coordinating rescue efforts from city‑wide command posts.
Cali’s Mayor Alejandro Eder reported 239 people still trapped, 949 injured, and 45 large‑structure casualties. A curfew has been imposed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to curb looting and facilitate search operations. In Pereira, the city’s fire department states that 79 have died, 8,000 buildings were damaged, and volunteers are working tirelessly on a car‑free day to clear rubble.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national state of emergency and announced a U.S. $15.5 million aid package. Spain, Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela have also pledged assistance. International support is continuing to pour in as local authorities turn their focus to rescuing survivors and mitigating any future risks.
