Kathmandu— At least 132 people are confirmed dead and more than 2,700 remain unaccounted for after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, causing widespread damage to cities including Cali and Pereira. Emergency teams have been working tirelessly through the night and into Tuesday, searching collapsed buildings for survivors while authorities assess the full extent of the devastation in affected regions like Choco, Risaralda, Caldas, and Antioquia. The newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national state of emergency and mobilized security forces to aid rescue efforts and maintain order amid reports of looting.

Widespread Damage and Rising Toll

Dozens were killed in Cali, with initial reports from Monday indicating 35 fatalities. Numerous buildings sustained significant damage or collapsed entirely, displacing residents. In the Risaralda region, at least 40 deaths have been confirmed, while nine people died in Choco, two in Caldas, and one 73-year-old in Antioquia. Approximately 700 injuries were reported in Valle del Cauca alone, with an initial count of 87 injured across all affected areas. Around 1,600 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including historic structures like the towers of a cathedral in Manizales.

Challenging Rescue Operations

Rescue operations are particularly challenging in the remote Choco region, where access is limited to boat or plane. San Jose Del Palmar, the epicenter of the quake and home to 4,800 people, requires specialized logistical support for assessment and aid delivery. President de la Espriella has mobilized the entire military and police apparatus to respond, deploying approximately 1,000 security force members to Cali by dawn after reports of looting prompted curfews in several cities. Volunteers are actively assisting emergency workers, forming human chains to clear debris and listen for signs of life.

Local and International Response

Colombia has declared a national state of emergency, with President de la Espriella promising rental subsidies for those displaced by the quake. Hospitals in five cities have been placed on red alert, and airports in several locations were temporarily closed for structural inspections. The Petronio Alvarez Music Festival in Cali and professional football matches have also been postponed. International aid is beginning to arrive, with the US pledging $15.5 million in emergency assistance and the European Union mobilizing its Copernicus satellite service. El Salvador and Mexico have also offered support, drawing on their experience providing aid after recent earthquakes.

Ongoing Aftershocks and Regional Crisis

Colombia’s Geological Service has recorded 21 aftershocks since Monday, warning of potential further tremors. Camila Gomez, deputy director of programmes for Colombia and Venezuela at the International Rescue Committee, highlighted that this earthquake struck a region already facing significant challenges. “This is the largest earthquake that Colombia has experienced in two decades,” she said, noting the need for health and education services as at least 50 schools have been affected.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid to those affected. The death toll is expected to rise as teams reach more remote areas.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.