A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 254 people and leaving thousands homeless.

Rescue crews searched through collapsed buildings in cities including Pereira and Cali, using heavy equipment and their bare hands to find survivors.

The disaster caused widespread damage to homes, schools, health centers, farms and rural infrastructure, while some Indigenous communities remained without power or basic services.

President Abelardo De La Espriella visited affected areas and promised economic support for families who lost their homes, Reuters has reported.

Survivors described terrifying scenes of collapsing buildings, injuries and people desperately searching for loved ones as rescuers continued working amid numerous aftershocks.