Rescue teams are tirelessly searching through debris in western Colombia following a devastating earthquake that has claimed over 250 lives, as estimated by local authorities. The powerful 7.4-magnitude quake, the strongest to hit Colombia in many years, struck the heart of the country’s coffee-growing region, leaving a trail of destruction with buildings and infrastructure severely damaged.

In the aftermath, families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones amidst the rubble. Emergency crews, working around the clock in the hardest-hit areas, are employing various tools and techniques, including cranes and excavators, to locate and rescue survivors trapped beneath the wreckage.

The official death toll stood at 126 with 1,495 reported injuries as of Monday night according to the United Nations OCHA, but local sources on Tuesday suggested the number of casualties could be as high as 254, indicating a situation still evolving as rescue operations expand into affected neighborhoods and communication networks gradually come back online.

The earthquake left nearly 5,000 homes damaged, with numerous buildings collapsing and hundreds of residences destroyed. In cities like Cali and Pereira, the impact was particularly severe, displacing residents, disrupting essential services, and causing widespread devastation. The closure of multiple airports and damage to critical roadways further compounded the challenges faced by emergency responders.

As communities grapple with the aftermath, efforts to provide essential supplies and support are underway, with international aid starting to arrive. The United States and the Inter-American Development Bank have pledged financial assistance to aid in recovery and reconstruction efforts. However, with communication disruptions persisting in some areas, authorities anticipate that fully assessing the extent of the damage and confirming the final death toll may require additional time.