Colombia Earthquake: At least 132 dead and 570 injured, authorities race to rescue survivors

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit Colombia on Monday, causing significant damage in several areas of the west, with emergency teams racing against time to reach survivors trapped under the rubble.

The quake, which struck at 7:34am local time on Monday, has resulted in at least 132 deaths and 570 injuries, according to the latest figures from the Colombian Association of Capitals (Asocapitales). The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, with many people still trapped under the rubble. The quake was centered in the San José del Palmar area of the Chocó department, where several buildings and homes were destroyed, leaving thousands of people without shelter.

The earthquake was felt as far as 500 kilometers away in neighboring countries, with reports of buildings collapsing in major cities such as Pereira and Cali. The quake has also affected the towns of Quibdó, Manizales, and Armenia, where emergency services are working to reach people trapped in the rubble. The mayor of Pereira, Carlos Mario Rodríguez, said that the city is "on the brink of a catastrophe" and has appealed for international assistance to aid in the relief efforts.

The Colombian government has declared a state of emergency and deployed emergency services to the affected areas, with teams working around the clock to reach survivors. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has activated its emergency fund to provide critical assistance to those affected by the quake. The UNDRR has also sent a team of experts to Colombia to assist in the relief efforts.

The Colombian President, Abelardo de la Espriella, has described the situation as "grave" and has requested international assistance to help with the relief efforts. The President has also announced that the country will provide emergency funds to affected communities and has called on people to donate to relief efforts. The Colombian government has also activated its emergency response plan to coordinate the relief efforts.

As the search for survivors continues, rescue teams are working to clear rubble and debris from the affected areas. The Colombian Fire Department has reported that several people have been rescued from the rubble, but many more are still trapped. The Colombian Red Cross has also deployed its emergency response teams to assist in the relief efforts.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also sent a team of experts to Colombia to assist in the relief efforts. The ICRC has expressed its solidarity with the people of Colombia and has pledged its support to the relief efforts. The organization has also launched an appeal for donations to support the relief efforts.

The US Embassy in Colombia has also issued a statement expressing its support for the Colombian government and people in the aftermath of the quake. The embassy has pledged its support to the relief efforts and has offered assistance to those affected by the quake. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has also announced its support for the relief efforts, with a team of experts on the ground to assist in the response efforts.

The Colombian government has also announced that it has activated its emergency response plan, with teams working around the clock to reach survivors. The government has also appealed for international assistance to aid in the relief efforts. The Colombian Red Cross has also deployed its emergency response teams to assist in the relief efforts.

The search for survivors is expected to be a long and difficult process, with teams working around the clock to reach people trapped in the rubble. The Colombian government has also announced that it will provide emergency funds to affected communities and has called on people to donate to relief efforts. The Colombian National Police have also been deployed to the affected areas to assist in the relief efforts.

The US, European Union, and other international organizations have also pledged their support to the relief efforts. The United Nations has also sent a team of experts to Colombia to assist in the relief efforts. The Colombian government has also activated its emergency response plan, with teams working around the clock to reach survivors.

The Colombian government has also announced that it will provide emergency funds to affected communities and has called on people to donate to relief efforts. The International Red Cross has also launched an appeal for donations to support the relief efforts.

As the relief efforts continue, the Colombian government has also announced that it will provide emergency assistance to those affected by the quake. The government has also appealed for international assistance to aid in the relief efforts. The Colombian Red Cross has also deployed its emergency response teams to assist in the relief efforts.

The search for survivors is expected to be a long and difficult process, with teams working around the clock to reach people trapped in the rubble. The Colombian government has also announced that it will provide emergency funds to affected communities and has called on people to donate to relief efforts. The Colombian National Police have also been deployed to the affected areas to assist in the relief efforts.