Desperate rescuers dug through rubble with bare hands and buckets Monday, hunting for survivors after a massive 7.4-magnitude earthquake flattened parts of Colombia—killing at least 111 people and trapping dozens more.
The quake struck the coffee region and Pacific coast just after 7:30 a.m., sending terrified residents fleeing into the streets as at least 1,500 buildings crumbled. “People ran out naked, others jumped from second-floor windows,” said law student Wilmer Cuesta in Quibdó.
In Cali, volunteers formed human chains to remove debris, pausing every few minutes to listen for whistles from the trapped. One rescuer told AFP: “We pulled out a man and a baby, but the wife is still in there.”
President Abelardo de la Espriella—just three days into office—declared a state of emergency and ordered round-the-clock rescue efforts. Hospitals in five cities are on red alert, a curfew is in place in Cali, and six airports have suspended operations.
The tragedy strikes less than two months after twin quakes in neighboring Venezuela killed over 6,300 people.
Colombian superstar Shakira pleaded for unity: “All my strength and love to my homeland. Let’s hold each other tight.”
Authorities warn the death toll could rise as search teams comb through collapsed buildings. The U.S. has pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid, while the EU mobilized satellite support and several nations offered assistance.
In Manizales, the beloved neo-Gothic cathedral lay in ruins. In Quibdó, dentist Julián Peña described the horror: “People were praying in the street. It was overwhelming.”
