A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, killing at least 181 people and leaving approximately 200 others missing. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency on Tuesday as rescue workers and volunteers continued efforts to extract survivors from collapsed buildings in major cities, including Cali and Pereira.
The earthquake occurred at 07:34 local time on Monday with an epicenter located west of Pereira. The tremors were felt across hundreds of miles of western Colombia, and the country's geological service reported more than 70 aftershocks by Tuesday, including two magnitude 3.6 tremors. Residents in several cities spent Monday night outdoors due to the destruction of their homes or concerns regarding further structural collapses.
Official reports indicate that at least 95 people died in Cali, while the fire department in Pereira reported 79 fatalities. President Espriella stated that approximately 2,600 people were injured, more than 1,100 homes were destroyed, and 8,000 others were damaged. In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder reported that 45 buildings partially or completely collapsed, including sections of a hospital and a school where four children were killed. The U.S. government announced a $15.5 million donation to assist with recovery efforts, while the United Nations and neighboring countries including Ecuador, Brazil, El Salvador, and Venezuela also offered support.
The scale of the disaster is reflected in both the casualty figures and the economic aid required for reconstruction. The confirmed death toll of 181, which local officials suggest could rise above 240, represents a significant loss of life in a single event. International citizens are also affected, as the Spanish government reported 164 of its nationals remain missing. The $15.5 million (£11.5 million) aid package from the U.S. and assistance from the UN and neighboring South American nations will likely be directed toward immediate search and rescue and the long-term rebuilding of the 9,100 affected residential structures.
Day-to-day life in the affected regions has been restricted by emergency safety measures. Residents in Cali are subject to a nightly curfew from 20:00 to 06:00 to prevent looting, while Pereira has instituted a car-free day to facilitate rescue vehicle access. What happens next depends on the findings of search teams still looking for the 239 people reported trapped in Cali. Recovery efforts and the assessment of damaged buildings will continue as the state of emergency remains in effect, with local mayors cautioning the public to rely on official information to avoid unverified reports during ongoing aftershocks.