Colombia quake death toll rises to 265

The death toll from a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Colombia has risen to 265, with nearly 3,500 people injured and 496 still missing as rescuers continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors for a third day.

The quake struck at 7:34am Monday, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in western Chocó province at a depth of about 107 kilometres. It caused widespread damage across western Colombia, including Pereira and Cali.

More than 9,000 homes were destroyed, while tens of thousands were damaged. Rescue teams are using heavy machinery, trained dogs and coordinated search operations amid fears of further collapses and aftershocks.

The government has declared three days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast at government buildings and diplomatic missions.

International assistance is arriving, including a Mexican volunteer rescue team in Cali. President Abelardo de la Espriella said finding the missing and rescuing survivors remained the government’s top priority.