The magnitude 7.4 quake struck late Monday, triggering widespread damage in urban cores and outlying neighborhoods alike. Emergency responders, aided by local authorities, had been working through the night to reach residents believed to be trapped under debris, while hospitals reported an influx of injured patients.
Photos and video from the scene show rescue workers maneuvering through densely damaged streets, with collapsed buildings and scattered debris visible in several neighborhoods. Authorities have issued a call for calm and urged residents to avoid affected zones to keep routes open for aid deliveries and emergency traffic.
Officials from the country’s disaster management agency indicated that the full scope of casualties was still being assessed as the search and rescue effort continued. Regional authorities said the event marked Colombia’s most powerful earthquake in decades, prompting an extensive deployment of resources, including heavy equipment and medical teams.
Local leaders called on residents to stay vigilant for aftershocks, which are expected in the coming hours and days. Shelters were established to assist displaced residents, and efforts to restore electricity and water supplies were underway in several communities.
International aid offers have begun to arrive, with neighboring countries and international organizations expressing readiness to provide support. Colombian authorities emphasized coordination across national, regional, and municipal levels to streamline rescue operations and relief distribution.
As daylight returned, authorities stressed the importance of rapid, organized responses to prevent additional loss of life. The situation remained dynamic, with officials reiterating that the death toll could rise as crews continue to sift through debris and reach affected families.
