Colombia quake toll hits 111 as rescuers race to find survivors

Rescue teams in western Colombia worked through the night and into Tuesday morning, searching for survivors after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the region on Monday. The quake has killed at least 111 people, according to President Abelardo de la Espriella, and left nearly 1,900 people reported missing.

The tremor rattled major cities including Cali, Quibdó, and Pereira, and caused widespread destruction. Officials estimate that around 1,600 buildings were damaged or collapsed. In the affected areas, soldiers, firefighters, and volunteers were seen clearing rubble by hand, passing chunks of concrete down human chains in a desperate effort to reach those trapped beneath.

The hardest-hit area is believed to be the Chocó region, near the epicenter. It is one of Colombia's poorest and most isolated areas, largely accessible only by boat or small aircraft. The full extent of the damage there remained unclear late Monday, as communication and access were limited.

President de la Espriella traveled to Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Monday night to assess the situation. He said he had mobilized the full military and police apparatus, including engineers, rescue workers, and search dogs. He also announced rental subsidies for residents whose homes were damaged, to support them while repairs are carried out.

The earthquake is the first major crisis for de la Espriella, who was sworn in as president over the weekend after campaigning on a promise to crack down on criminal groups. The region has long been affected by armed conflict, adding another layer of complexity to the relief effort.

While the destruction is severe, the quake was less catastrophic than the dual earthquakes that struck neighboring Venezuela just weeks ago, which killed more than 6,300 people. Still, the compounding disasters have left many in the region shaken and anxious about what comes next.