More than 36 hours after the earthquake struck Colombia, rescue workers are still trying to pull survivors trapped under rubble and in buildings.
So far, 181 people have been confirmed dead. Most of the deaths occurred in the cities of Cali and Pereira.
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday. Its tremors were felt hundreds of miles across a wide area of ​​western Colombia, while aftershocks continued to be felt on Tuesday.
Although the official death toll is 181, the total number of deaths could be higher, possibly exceeding 240, according to the cumulative figures obtained from local authorities.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Esperilla has declared a state of emergency in the country.
Briefing the situation in Pereira, one of the hardest-hit cities, on Tuesday, President Espirella said that in addition to the dead, about 2,600 people had been injured, while about 200 were still missing.
He also said that more than 1,100 homes had been completely destroyed, while more than 8,000 had been damaged.
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