At least 224 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with rescue teams continuing efforts to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. on Monday, affecting areas including Cali, Pereira and parts of the Choco region. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as emergency workers reach more affected communities.
More than 1,600 buildings were reportedly damaged or destroyed, while parts of a historic cathedral in Manizales and sections of a hospital in Cali also collapsed.
Rescue teams comprising soldiers, firefighters, emergency workers, volunteers and relatives have been working through the rubble. Several survivors have already been rescued, while search operations remain ongoing.
The government has declared a national state of emergency and placed hospitals in several cities on red alert as authorities coordinate relief and rescue efforts.
International support has also begun, with the United States announcing $15.5 million in emergency aid, while the European Union activated its Copernicus satellite service to assist rescue operations.
