Colombia searches for survivors as earthquake death toll reaches 111

Rescue teams and volunteers in Colombia have launched a desperate search for survivors after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 111 people and damaged about 1,500 buildings.

The earthquake struck parts of the country’s coffee-growing region and Pacific area shortly after 7:30am local time on Monday, sending frightened residents into the streets as buildings shook violently.

In Quibdo, law student Wilmer Cuesta described scenes of panic, saying some residents fled their homes without clothes while others jumped from second-floor windows to escape the shaking.

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office just three days earlier, declared a state of emergency and pledged a coordinated response to the disaster.

In Cali, residents joined firefighters and emergency workers in searching through collapsed structures using picks, buckets and their bare hands.

Andres Felipe Mejia, one of the volunteers involved in the rescue efforts, said rescuers heard a whistle from beneath the debris.

“We are trying to get everyone out alive,” he said.

According to Mejia, rescuers eventually pulled a man and a baby from the wreckage of a multistorey building, while the man’s wife remained trapped underneath the debris.

Volunteers formed human chains to clear bricks and concrete from damaged buildings, repeatedly pausing to listen for voices or other indications that people were still alive.

Residents also brought food, water and other supplies to support firefighters and those affected by the earthquake.

Images from affected areas showed extensive destruction, with furniture and household items buried beneath concrete slabs, walls and floors, while electrical cables lay scattered across streets.

Authorities placed hospitals in five Colombian cities on red alert and imposed a nighttime curfew in Cali. At least six airports also suspended operations, according to the country’s civil aviation authorities.

Colombian singer Shakira joined calls for solidarity, expressing support for those affected by the disaster.

“All my strength and love to my homeland. Let’s hold each other tight,” she said.

Authorities warned that the death toll could increase as rescue workers continue searching collapsed buildings across several cities.

In Manizales, an AFP journalist reported widespread damage, including the collapse of part of the city’s well-known neo-Gothic cathedral.

The disaster comes less than two months after two powerful earthquakes struck neighbouring Venezuela, reportedly killing more than 6,300 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.