The 7.4 magnitude quake shook several cities across Colombia’s coffee-producing region and the Pacific coast, sending terrified residents racing into the street.
Dentist Julian Pena was at home in Quibdo when he felt “very, very strong” shaking just after 7.30 am local time.
“People were praying in the street. It was overwhelming,” he said. “I ran outside carrying nothing and found hundreds of people there.”
“There are many buildings with gaps, with cracks. There are others that have completely collapsed.”
Authorities launched a massive rescue operation across several cities and put hospitals on red alert.
Cali resident Andres Felipe Mejia was among those who volunteered for the rescue effort.
“They pulled out a man and a baby, but the wife is still in there,” he said near a pancaked multi-storey building.
“We are trying to get everyone out alive.”
“A lot of people have come, with supplies, with food, helping the firefighters, helping the people,” he said.
Authorities warned the toll could rise as rescuers searched collapsed buildings across several cities.
In Manizales,many buildings were damaged, including the crumpled tower of the city’s beloved neo-Gothic cathedral.
“A great many buildings” in the city sustained damage, said administrative worker Jaime Zuluaga, 50.
“Traffic is paralysed and people don’t want to go back to their homes for fear of an aftershock.”
Colombian President Abelardo de la Esperiella, sworn into the job just three days ago, declared a state of emergency and vowed that Colombia would “move forward together.”
The quake was felt across Colombia, including the capital Bogota, where crowds of people rushed out into the street in their pyjamas.
“The quake was very, very strong,” said content creator Valeria Polo, 29, in the capital, where only minimal damage was recorded.
At a depth of 110 kilometres, the quake was felt in neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.
Experts at the US Geological Survey said the quake was likely caused by movement along a deep fault within the Nazca tectonic plate.
Six airports suspended operations, the civil aeronautics agency said.
All upcoming professional football matches have been postponed.
Messages of support came in from countries across the region and the world.
“All my strength and love to my homeland. Let’s hold each other tight,” said Colombian pop megastar Shakira.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was “closely monitoring” the situation and “stands ready to support the people of Colombia.”
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said the EU had mobilised Copernicus, a satellite service, to help with rescue operations.
Israel, Mexico, Ecuador and France also offered assistance.
Latin America is already reeling from two disastrous quakes that struck Venezuela in June, killing more than 6,000 people and causing widespread destruction. (AFP)
