The death toll from Monday's 7.5-magnitude earthquake in western Colombia has risen to 250, news agencies reported, citing local authorities.
Rescue operations are underway as teams search for survivors trapped in the wreckage of collapsed buildings after the devastating earthquake rocked the area.
Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further due to persistent aftershocks.
In affected areas, people have turned out in large numbers to clear rubble from collapsed buildings in the hopes of finding survivors. Jorge Alvarez, who arrived at a hard-hit zone to aid relief efforts, described the situation as extremely critical.
"This morning, it was an insane situation with the earthquake that happened when I was staying with my friends in Arrebato. We didn't know what was going on, first of all. And now we've arrived recently in the neighborhood of Capri in the south to try and help bring water, bring supplies, bring gloves, and we're going to be coming back and bringing some torches as well. This is really a critical situation. There are a lot of people who were trapped when the buildings fell down. There are lots of critical points. It's been an incredibly scary situation, and we are just here trying to help as much as we can, and spread as much information so the correct information arrives to people who can come and help, and help with supplies," said Alvarez.
Rescue crews said they are working against the clock to find more survivors and are in urgent need of protective equipment.
"We need the groups to work very well to be able to rescue people. We need personal protective equipment, gloves, glasses, helmets, masks and all the material that people use in their daily lives," said Roger Eduardo Casas, a coordinator of a dog rescue group.
"We found out that the building collapsed. We have been here since early on. We currently have 11 people reported alive. Rescue operations are underway. And we have 26 people who we have not yet been located and are apparently inside the building. What do we need? Please don't let people come anymore. Everyone back. We need you to bring lamps -- lighting for the night. We need ropes. We already have enough water. And we are still looking for the other 26 people. Thank you," said Marta Diaz, President of the City Popular Action Board.
Colombia quake death toll rises to 250 as rescue efforts continue
