Colombia has declared three days of national mourning after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s west on Monday morning. President Abelardo de la Espriella said on Wednesday that 265 people had been killed and 496 remained missing. The epicentre was in the San Jose del Palmar area of the western Choco department.

The quake was felt across a broad western region, with major damage reported in cities including Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Quibdo. Many buildings partially collapsed or were reduced to rubble. Rescue workers are using heavy equipment to search debris for possible survivors, while more than 70 aftershocks have been recorded, including several above magnitude 4.

During the mourning period, national flags will fly at half-mast on government buildings and Colombian embassies abroad. Authorities have taken emergency measures to coordinate rescue and relief operations, sending emergency aid and medical services to affected areas while working to restore roads and other infrastructure. The United States has announced nearly $15.5 million in assistance, while Mexico and El Salvador are also preparing to send support.