Colombia earthquake: 111 dead, rescuers search rubble for survivors

Rescuers and volunteers in Colombia are digging through rubble with their bare hands and buckets, searching for survivors after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the country. The tremor hit several towns in Colombia's coffee-growing region and Pacific coast shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time on Monday, sending panicked residents into the streets and causing widespread damage.

At least 111 lives have been lost, and approximately 1,500 buildings were damaged. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people fleeing their homes in disarray. "People ran out without clothes, some jumped from the second floor of their homes," said Wilmer Cuesta, a law student in Quibdo, to AFP.

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People ran out without clothes, some jumped from the second floor of their homes.

President Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just three days prior, declared a state of emergency and vowed to lead a thorough rescue operation. In Cali, spontaneous rescue teams formed, using basic tools and their hands to search for those trapped. "We are trying to get everyone out alive," said Andres Felipe Mejia, who joined one such team. "One of the rescuers asked anyone trapped to whistle, and someone whistled back." They managed to pull out a man and a baby, but the man's wife remained trapped in the collapsed multi-story building.

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We are trying to get everyone out alive.

Rescuers formed human chains to move bricks and debris, pausing frequently to listen for any signs of life. "Many people came, bringing supplies and food, helping the firefighters and helping people," Mejia added. The devastation is visible in numerous towns, with furniture and belongings strewn among the concrete. This disaster follows two strong earthquakes in neighboring Venezuela less than two months ago, which killed over 6,300 people and displaced tens of thousands.

Hospitals in five Colombian cities are on high alert, and a nighttime curfew has been imposed in Cali. At least six local airports have suspended operations. Colombian pop star Shakira called for national unity, tweeting, "All my strength and love for my beloved homeland. Let's hug each other tightly."

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One of the rescuers asked anyone trapped to whistle, and someone whistled back.

Authorities warn that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue in the heavily damaged buildings across several cities. In Manizales, an AFP journalist observed significant damage to numerous structures, including the iconic neo-Gothic cathedral tower.

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Many people came, bringing supplies and food, helping the firefighters and helping people.