Colombia earthquake kills 111 as rescuers search for survivors

A 7.4-magnitude Colombia earthquake struck the country's coffee region and Pacific coast shortly after 7:30 am (1230 GMT) Monday, killing at least 111 people and damaging over 1,500 buildings. Volunteers and rescuers are digging through rubble with their bare hands and buckets, searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

What is the situation in Colombia right now?

Rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings across several cities after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 111 people. President Abelardo de la Espriella, sworn in just three days earlier, has declared a state of emergency. Hospitals in five cities are on red alert, a curfew is in place in Cali, and several airports have suspended operations.

How many people have been killed or injured in the Colombia earthquake?

The confirmed death toll stands at 111, though authorities have warned the figure could rise as rescuers continue searching collapsed buildings across the affected region. Manizales suffered extensive damage, including to the crumpled tower of the city's neo-Gothic cathedral, an AFP journalist reported. The earthquake was felt as far away as the capital Bogota, where residents rushed into the streets in their pajamas.

How are rescuers searching for survivors in Colombia?

In Cali, volunteers armed with picks and basic tools worked alongside their bare hands to reach people trapped under debris. Andres Felipe Mejia, part of one makeshift crew, said rescuers asked trapped survivors to whistle so their location could be identified. "They pulled out a man and a baby, but the wife is still in there," he said near a collapsed multistory building.

Rescuers formed human chains to clear bricks and masonry, pausing every few minutes to listen for signs of life. Wilmer Cuesta, a law student in Quibdo, described people jumping from second-floor windows as the ground shook. Dentist Julian Pena, also in Quibdo, said he ran outside with nothing and found hundreds of people praying in the street.

Are earthquakes common in Colombia?

Colombia sits in a seismically active region, and Monday's quake struck at a depth of 110 kilometers, meaning it was felt as far away as Ecuador and Panama. Experts at the US Geological Survey said the quake was likely caused by movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate. The disaster comes less than two months after twin earthquakes killed more than 6,300 people in neighboring Venezuela.

What international support has Colombia received?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was closely monitoring the situation and stood ready to support Colombia, later pledging $15.5 million in emergency relief. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc had mobilized its Copernicus satellite service to assist rescue operations. Israel, Mexico, Ecuador and France also offered assistance, while Colombian pop star Shakira urged unity, telling her homeland to "hold each other tight." All upcoming professional football matches in the country have been postponed.