Rescue efforts continue in Colombia after a powerful earthquake struck the country’s west on Monday, with the death toll rising to at least 224.
According to the Colombian Geological Survey, more than 70 aftershocks were recorded across the country after the earthquake.
Rescue workers are searching for anyone trapped under the rubble in the hardest-hit areas. A woman was pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed building in the city of Kali about 30 hours after the quake. A child was also pulled from the rubble of a residential building in the same city.
Rescue workers and volunteers are working to free people trapped in the rubble of a collapsed building in Pereira. Cranes and fuel trucks have been brought in to continue the rescue operation.
A fire broke out at a prison in the western city of Buenaventura after the earthquake, killing at least four people and injuring two others, said Dilian Francisca Toro, governor of the province of Via del Cauca.
The situation is still dire in the La Italia area of ​​the municipality of San José del Palma, near the epicenter of the earthquake. Many buildings and roads have been damaged. Local leader Jeison Guevara said the area is experiencing water and electricity shortages.
The rural agricultural town of about 5,900 people is now isolated from the rest of the country. Landslides have occurred in 18 places on the main road leading to the neighboring city of Cartago, cutting off communication. Guevara said only one bulldozer is currently working to clear the road.
The lack of electricity after the earthquake caused concern among local residents. Now, arrangements have been made to charge mobile phones with the help of generators. This allows local residents to communicate with family members.
Mateo Valencia, the six-year-old son of Bahia Solano Mayor Jairson Leonel Valencia, was killed in the earthquake, the mayor’s office said. He died when his house collapsed.
At least 14 people, including the child, have died in the Choco region. Local authorities have expressed their condolences over Mateo’s death. Many people lit candles and prayed in his memory on Monday night.
The United States has sent a disaster assistance team to Colombia to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake. The U.S. State Department said the team will assist the Colombian government in disaster relief and recovery efforts, as well as coordinate overall operations.
Mexico has also offered assistance to Colombia. The country is preparing to send a 255-member search and rescue team and a large amount of humanitarian aid, but this will only be sent after Colombia formally requests assistance.
Meanwhile, Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Esperilla, has announced economic aid for people affected by the earthquake, making the announcement on Tuesday during a visit to affected towns in the country’s coffee-growing region.
