Colombia earthquake death toll hits 179 with over 3,000 missing

Search and rescue operations resumed on Tuesday across dozens of towns and villages in western Colombia following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Local officials report that at least 179 people have died, while more than 3,000 remain missing. Mayors and governors in Cali, Pereira, Chocó, and Manizales provided these figures, which exceed the federal government's last official estimate of 111 deaths released on Monday. Approximately 1,600 buildings across the region have been damaged or completely destroyed. Soldiers, rescue workers, and relatives are manually clearing concrete debris in a desperate search for survivors. Jairo Vargas, who travelled 220 kilometres from Medellín to Pereira to find his brother, stated he was certain his brother was in his collapsed apartment building, though he noted that his brother's car remained parked outside and no sounds could be heard from the rubble. Chocó, the region surrounding the epicentre, is one of Colombia's poorest areas and is frequently affected by conflicts between rival armed groups. Parts of the region are accessible only by boat, jungle trails, or aircraft, meaning the full extent of the damage remains unknown. Local officials estimate that 80 per cent of the town of El Cairo, which has a population of nearly 7,000, has been damaged. President Abelardo de la Espriella, who was sworn in only days ago, visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Monday night and announced the mobilisation of all military and police resources. Engineers, rescue teams, and search dogs have been deployed to the region. The earthquake represents the first major test for the new administration, which has faced controversy over its pledge to take a hard line against criminal groups. Families are using community websites to post details of missing loved ones. Dana Carolina Zamora shared a photo of her 60-year-old uncle, Miguel Angel Zamora, a farmer from the rural area of San José del Palmar near the epicentre, expressing hope that his disappearance is due to severed communications. Pereira and Cali are among the worst-affected cities. Pereira authorities report at least 58 collapsed buildings, while Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder stated that at least 40 buildings have fallen. Both cities imposed curfews on Monday night to prevent looting. Pereira has also banned private vehicles to ensure routes remain clear for emergency services. The US State Department has announced $15.5 million in aid for emergency shelter, food, and other relief efforts, and several Latin American governments have offered assistance. Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar told local media that the disaster has affected the entire city and thousands of families, but that they remain committed to moving forward.