Colombian rescuers search for survivors after 7.4‑magnitude earthquake

Colombian rescuers are racing against time after a magnitude‑7.4 earthquake struck the southwestern region of the country early Tuesday, causing widespread devastation in the departments of Cauca and Nariño. Initial reports from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) confirmed at least 112 deaths, more than 300 injuries and dozens of people still missing as buildings collapsed and roads were rendered impassable. Emergency teams from the army, police, Red Cross and local fire services were deployed within hours, focusing on extracting survivors from rubble, providing medical aid at field hospitals, and establishing temporary shelters for displaced residents.

The scale of the disaster has strained response capabilities, with aftershocks hampering search operations and heavy rains threatening further landslides. Authorities have activated the national emergency plan, mobilizing additional troops and requesting assistance from neighboring countries and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. As the search for survivors continues, officials warn that the likelihood of finding additional victims diminishes with each passing day, prompting a shift toward recovery and support for families of the deceased.

Despite the mounting challenges, Colombian officials affirmed that rescue efforts will persist while the government coordinates reconstruction of critical infrastructure, including water, electricity and transportation networks. International aid agencies have pledged supplies and technical expertise, and the UN has urged donor nations to expedite funding to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected communities. The focus now remains on stabilizing the region and providing relief to those impacted by the quake.