Colombia earthquake kills over 200, rescue efforts continue amid aftershocks

Rescue teams are working through the second day after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, raising the death toll to at least 224 and leaving hundreds injured. The disaster prompted President Abelardo de la Espriella to declare a state of national disaster and announce economic relief measures, including three months of free public-service utilities and temporary housing assistance for those who lost their homes.

The quake caused severe damage in several cities. In the coastal town of Bahía Solano, the six-year-old son of the mayor was killed when his house collapsed, prompting a candle-lit vigil. In Cali, a woman was rescued from rubble nearly 30 hours after the tremor, and a dramatic video showed a baby being pulled from an apartment building. Rescue crews in Pereira have deployed a crane and a fuel truck to continue searching an apartment block that collapsed, while in Manizales officials reported five deaths and extensive building damage.

A fire broke out at the Marte detention center in Buenaventura, killing four inmates and injuring two, leading the Valle del Cauca governor to request the transfer of prisoners to other facilities. The La Italia district of San José del Palmar, near the epicenter, remains without water and electricity, and landslides have blocked the main road, isolating the town.

International assistance is arriving. The United States sent a Disaster Assistance Response Team to support coordination efforts, and Mexico prepared a contingent of 255 specialised rescue troops and humanitarian aid pending a formal request. The European Union is providing satellite support and funding for response operations.

Colombia’s Geological Service recorded more than 70 aftershocks, the latest a magnitude-3.8 event centred near San José del Palmar. Officials warned that aftershocks could continue for weeks as the crust readjusts.

Local leaders described the atmosphere as anxious, with residents relying on generators to charge phones and communicate with families. Volunteer groups and NGOs, including the World Food Programme and CARE International, are working to deliver food, water and assistance to the most vulnerable, especially people with disabilities.

The earthquake presents an early test for President de la Espriella, who took office last week and has focused on security policies. Authorities noted that many low-income and social-housing structures do not meet earthquake-resistance standards, raising concerns about future vulnerability.

"In these moments of immense pain, we raise our prayers to God so that He may grant the mayor, his family, and the entire community strength, comfort, and serenity to face this loss," said former foreign minister Luis Gilberto Murillo.

"We have ordered the Minister of Housing to decree economic relief in public services for all people affected in Risaralda for three months," President de la Espriella posted on X.

Efforts to locate survivors continue amid collapsed buildings, landslides and disrupted infrastructure, as the country grapples with the humanitarian impact of the quake.