Rescue operations are underway across western Colombia following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Monday morning. The tremor, the strongest recorded in the nation's history, hit at 7:30 a.m. local time, causing widespread infrastructure damage and chaos in cities including Pereira.
The death toll has reached at least 169 people, with more than 600 others reported injured. Local authorities confirmed that over 1,600 buildings sustained damage, with at least 165 structures collapsing entirely. Emergency teams and volunteers are currently working through the rubble to locate survivors among the more than 2,700 individuals previously reported missing.
President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency shortly after taking office. He has deployed the full capacity of the nation's military and police forces to assist in recovery efforts. The lack of power and communication infrastructure in hard-hit areas continues to hamper rescue logistics as night falls.
International responses have begun to arrive, with the U.S. government monitoring the situation and preparing to provide support. Humanitarian groups from the United States are currently mobilizing aid supplies. As families continue to search for missing relatives, the focus remains on clearing debris and stabilizing the affected urban centers.