Rescuers scramble for survivors with 180 dead in Colombia earthquake

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has struck western Colombia, resulting in at least 180 confirmed deaths and widespread destruction. Rescue efforts are currently underway in cities like Cali and Pereira as officials work to locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
Why it matters
This is a major humanitarian crisis requiring immediate international attention and disaster relief coordination in the region.
Figure caption, Watch: Moment powerful earthquake shakes Colombia and crumbles buildings
Rescue workers in Colombia are working against the clock to free survivors trapped in buildings and under rubble following Monday's powerful earthquake.
More than 180 people have been confirmed dead - most in the cities of Cali and Pereira.
The magnitude 7.4 quake struck at 07:34 (12:34 GMT) on Monday and was felt across an enormous area, stretching for hundreds of miles across western Colombia - with fresh aftershocks still being felt on Tuesday.
While the official death toll remains 181, an aggregated figure gathered from local officials puts it higher - potentially at more than 240. A state of emergency has been declared by President Abelardo de la Espriella.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in