Rescuers race to find survivors as Colombia earthquake death toll reaches 181

Rescue teams in Colombia are racing to free survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings after a powerful earthquake killed at least 181 people.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck at 07:34 local time (12:34 GMT) on Monday and was felt across a vast area of western Colombia. Aftershocks continued to be felt on Tuesday as emergency crews searched through damaged buildings and rubble.

The official death toll stands at 181, although figures compiled from local officials suggest the number of deaths could be higher, potentially exceeding 240.

President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a state of emergency.

Speaking from Pereira, one of the worst-hit cities, President Espriella said almost 2,600 people had been injured and nearly 200 remained missing.

More than 1,100 homes were destroyed and another 8,000 were damaged, he added.

Many residents in Pereira and Cali spent Monday night outdoors after their homes were destroyed or because they feared further buildings could collapse.

Dozens of larger buildings across the country have also been destroyed or seriously damaged.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said on Tuesday that 239 people remained trapped in the city, while 949 had been injured. He said 45 buildings had either completely or partially collapsed.

Parts of a hospital in Cali, including several upper floors used for paediatric care, also collapsed, leaving some patients trapped inside.

In the Calima neighbourhood in northern Cali, four children were killed when part of the Gimnasio Calima school collapsed.

Municipal mayor Antonio Cadavid said other children suffered serious injuries, with 30 children taken to medical centres for treatment.

Rescue operations are continuing as emergency workers search damaged buildings for people who may still be trapped.