A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck western Colombia, killing at least 111 people and causing widespread destruction, particularly in the city of Cali.

Rescue teams and civilian volunteers are working against time to free an unspecified number of individuals believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed structures, as officials appeal for further assistance.

The seismic event, which occurred on Monday, brought down more than two dozen buildings in Cali alone, Colombia's third-largest city, with significant damage also reported in Pereira and Choco.

Search and Rescue Operations Intensify

In Cali, the devastation is stark, with reports emerging of families witnessing their homes disintegrate. One family reportedly documented the harrowing moment their residence was destroyed by the tremors.

Volunteers have formed human chains to sift through concrete and debris, passing large fragments from the sites of destruction in a desperate search for survivors.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder confirmed that the city had sought immediate support from authorities in Bogotá and Medellín, requesting specialist disaster teams to bolster local rescue operations.

Widespread Destruction and Official Response

The quake's powerful tremors were felt across a broad area of western Colombia, leading to the collapse of homes and infrastructure. The death toll, initially reported lower, climbed swiftly overnight as more damage assessments became available, with figures varying between outlets but generally exceeding 110.

Colombia, located at the convergence of several tectonic plates, is prone to seismic activity. The country has experienced several significant earthquakes in its history, though events of this magnitude with such a high casualty count are less frequent.

As of Tuesday, emergency services continue to face immense challenges, including damaged roads and communications, which are hampering access to some of the worst-affected areas. The full extent of the damage and precise number of casualties are still being assessed.