Rescue teams in western Colombia worked tirelessly on Tuesday, sifting through debris left by a powerful earthquake that claimed over 250 lives, as estimated by local authorities. Families anxiously waited near collapsed structures for any signs of life.

The earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, struck Colombia’s coffee-producing region early Monday, causing severe damage to buildings, schools, and health facilities. In severely affected areas, rescue operations continued non-stop, with workers using heavy machinery and even their hands to locate survivors trapped under the rubble.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara emphasized the immediate focus on saving lives, ensuring the prompt arrival of rescue teams, and providing essential medical supplies and makeshift medical centers. The United Nations reported 126 confirmed deaths and 1,495 injuries by Monday night, but updated local estimates suggested a toll of around 254 as crews accessed more areas and communication networks gradually recovered.

Nearly 5,000 homes suffered damage, with numerous buildings collapsing and hundreds of residences being completely destroyed. In Cali, residents gathered outdoors after parts of buildings caved in, with some patients trapped in a hospital that partially collapsed. In Pereira, devastated neighborhoods saw residents and volunteers forming human chains to assist in the search for survivors.

Infrastructure damage included the closure of six airports and reports of road disruptions. Electricity, water supply, healthcare, and communication services were severely impacted, hampering rescue and relief efforts. International aid was mobilizing, with the United States and the Inter-American Development Bank pledging financial support for emergency assistance and reconstruction.

Given the communication challenges in heavily affected areas, authorities anticipated that it might take several days to fully assess the extent of the damage and determine the final casualty count.