CALI.- Rescue operations continued Monday across western Colombia as emergency crews searched damaged buildings and isolated communities following the powerful earthquake that left more than 100 people dead.
The disaster has placed enormous pressure on emergency services in several departments, particularly in communities near the earthquake’s epicentral region around San José del Palmar, Chocó.
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Authorities reported damage to more than 1,500 homes, along with dozens of schools, health centers and community facilities. Several buildings completely collapsed, creating dangerous conditions for firefighters and specialized rescue teams attempting to locate survivors.
Transportation infrastructure has also been affected. Roads were damaged or blocked in several locations, while operations at regional airports were disrupted as authorities inspected terminals, runways and other infrastructure for structural damage.
The situation has been especially challenging in rural Chocó, where mountainous terrain and limited transportation routes have made it difficult for emergency personnel to reach some communities.
In cities including Pereira, Manizales and Cali, residents remained outside buildings following the initial earthquake as authorities warned about the possibility of aftershocks.
Emergency agencies urged residents not to enter visibly damaged structures until engineers or local authorities determine that they are safe.
Hospitals in affected regions activated emergency protocols to receive injured residents, while national authorities began coordinating the movement of medical personnel, rescue equipment, food, water and other supplies.
International assistance has also begun to emerge, with governments and organizations offering humanitarian support to Colombia.
For thousands of families, however, the immediate priority remains locating missing relatives and determining whether their homes are safe enough to return to.
The government has warned that damage assessments will take time, particularly in rural communities where communications remain difficult.
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