Colombia earthquake death toll rises sharply as rescuers search rubble

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia killed at least 132 people and injured 570 as rescuers searched collapsed buildings in Cali, Pereira and other hard-hit cities. The death toll climbed sharply over August 10 and 11 as officials assessed damage, cleared rubble and tried to reach people feared trapped under the debris.

The U.S. Geological Survey put the quake at 7.4 magnitude and located it near San José del Palmar, about 250 miles west of Bogotá, at 07:34 local time Monday. It shook Colombia’s biggest urban centers, including Bogotá, Cali and Medellín, and sent damage rippling across the Pacific coast and inland cities. At least 20 buildings collapsed in Cali, while at least 20 people died in Pereira, about 35 miles from the epicenter.

Emergency crews were still searching collapsed structures after the initial shock, and early counts put the number of injured at more than 480. Airports were shut in some affected areas as rescue teams and emergency supplies moved into the disaster zone. By Tuesday, the Colombian government had declared a national disaster as the number of dead passed 110 and officials warned the total could rise further. Search teams worked in urban centers where access was limited by rubble and damaged infrastructure.