Al Jazeera reporter documents Colombia quake’s toll

A powerful earthquake has struck western Colombia, killing at least seven people and trapping others under collapsed buildings in cities like Cali, Pereira, and Manizales. Rescue teams are still searching the rubble as aftershocks shake the region. Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti is on the ground reporting live from the hardest-hit areas.

The quake, measured at 6.1 magnitude, struck near the town of El Dovio in Valle del Cauca department. It happened just after 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday, catching many residents off guard as they slept. Colombia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity, but western regions like Valle del Cauca are not as frequently hit by major quakes. This one was shallow, intensifying its destructive power. The government has declared a state of emergency in affected areas.

Emergency services say at least 50 buildings were damaged, with schools and hospitals among the worst affected. Power outages have left thousands without electricity, and landslides have blocked roads, slowing rescue efforts. Hospitals in Pereira and Manizales are overwhelmed with injured patients, many with fractures or crush injuries. Local officials warn the death toll could rise as more bodies are recovered from the debris.

Rescue teams from Colombia’s National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) are working with international aid groups, including the Red Cross, to clear rubble and set up temporary shelters. Colombia’s president has pledged federal support, including military assistance for evacuation and relief. The quake comes just weeks after heavy rains caused deadly flooding in the same region, straining emergency resources. With aftershocks continuing, authorities are urging residents to stay alert and avoid damaged buildings. The full extent of the damage may take days to assess, but this disaster highlights the vulnerability of Colombia’s infrastructure to natural hazards.