Colombia earthquake: Death toll crosses 130 after 7.4-magnitude quake

Earthquake strikes western Colombia

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake rocked western Colombia on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising death toll. At least 132 people have been confirmed dead, according to latest reports from local authorities. The quake struck with little warning, collapsing dozens of buildings and trapping residents under rubble.

Emergency crews are working through the night, digging through debris in search of survivors. Hospitals in the affected areas are overwhelmed, with hundreds of injured being treated in makeshift wards. The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding as rescue teams reach remote villages cut off by landslides.

President declares emergency

Colombia's President has declared a state of emergency in response to the catastrophe. The decree mobilises national resources and speeds up aid delivery to the hardest-hit regions. Government officials say priority is being given to search-and-rescue operations and restoring basic services like power and water.

The declaration also unlocks emergency funds for rebuilding homes and infrastructure. Local mayors have pleaded for more heavy machinery to clear debris and for medical supplies. The national army has been deployed to assist in the relief effort, but access to some areas remains difficult.

Widespread damage and collapsed buildings

Dozens of buildings collapsed in the quake, including residential blocks and public structures. In some towns, entire streets have been reduced to piles of concrete and twisted metal. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled into the streets during the tremors.

Landslides triggered by the earthquake have blocked major roads, hampering rescue convoys. Communication lines are down in several districts, making it hard for officials to assess the full extent of the damage. Aftershocks continue to rattle the region, keeping residents on edge and complicating rescue efforts.

International response and solidarity

Neighbouring countries and international organisations have offered assistance to Colombia. The United Nations has said it is ready to deploy emergency teams if requested. Several nations, including India, have expressed condolences and pledged support for relief operations.

Global attention has turned to the Andean nation as it grapples with one of its deadliest earthquakes in recent years. The disaster has drawn comparisons to past seismic events in the region, underscoring the vulnerability of poorly constructed buildings. Experts warn that the death toll could rise further as rescuers reach more isolated communities.

Rescue efforts continue amid challenges

Rescue teams are racing against time, using sniffer dogs and acoustic devices to locate survivors under the rubble. In some places, volunteers are digging with bare hands, desperate to save neighbours and family members. The government has set up temporary shelters for those left homeless, but many are still sleeping outdoors, fearing aftershocks.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of missing persons, but they acknowledge the figure is significant. Medical teams are being flown in from other parts of the country to support overwhelmed local hospitals. The coming days will be critical for finding survivors and providing aid to thousands of displaced people.

As Colombia mourns its dead, the focus now shifts to the long process of recovery and reconstruction. The state of emergency will remain in effect, and the government is expected to release a detailed damage assessment in the coming week. For now, the world watches and waits, hoping that more lives can still be saved.