Kathmandu— Colombia declared three days of national mourning on Wednesday following a devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country on Monday, killing over 200 people and injuring nearly 2,600 more. Rescue crews are working against time to locate those still missing amidst widespread destruction in western Colombia, with over 100 aftershocks recorded as of Tuesday afternoon. The disaster presents an early challenge for President Abelardo de la Espriella, who assumed office just three days prior to the quake, and has prompted international aid offers from nations including the United States, European Union, Mexico, and El Salvador.

Devastation Across Western Colombia

Monday’s earthquake was the strongest to hit Colombia in a century, causing buildings to collapse and roads to buckle across western regions of the country. The cities of Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo were among the hardest-hit, with entire neighbourhoods flattened and vehicles crushed under debris. Residents have joined firefighters in desperate searches for survivors, using whatever tools they can find – picks, shovels, and even their bare hands – while pausing to listen for any sign of life.

Challenges Reaching Remote Areas

The full extent of the damage remains unclear, particularly in rural areas like Choco, located near the earthquake’s epicentre. This region is one of Colombia's poorest and presents significant logistical challenges for rescue efforts; many communities are only accessible by boat, through dense jungle terrain, or by air. Years of violence involving armed groups further complicate access to these remote locations.

Strain on Healthcare System & Public Response

The earthquake has placed immense pressure on Colombia’s healthcare infrastructure. A portion of the Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali collapsed, forcing medical staff to treat patients in a parking lot and outdoors. Despite the crisis, Colombians have demonstrated remarkable solidarity, with thousands donating food, water, and supplies to affected areas and long lines forming at blood donation centres. President de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency and pledged financial assistance for those who lost their homes.

International Aid Arrives

International support is flowing into Colombia as rescue efforts continue. The United States has committed $15.5 million in emergency aid and is deploying urban search-and-rescue teams from Virginia and California at the request of President de la Espriella’s government. The European Union has pledged $2.3 million, while Mexico has offered hundreds of search and health workers, and El Salvador is sending two planes carrying 100 tonnes of aid.

Rescue crews remain focused on searching through the rubble in hopes of finding additional survivors as the critical 72-hour window passes.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.