A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck Colombia, leaving at least 21 dead and dozens injured. Among the most dramatic scenes is in the city of Cali, where rescue teams are searching for several children suspected of being trapped under the rubble of a university hospital after part of the building collapsed in the tremors.
Authorities say 18 people have died in Pereira, two in Manizales and one in Quibdo. Several people are also reported missing and dozens more are trapped under the rubble of more than 20 collapsed buildings in Cali.
The tremors were felt almost throughout Colombia, but also in Ecuador and Panama. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4 and the epicenter was located in western Colombia, at a depth of about 100 kilometers. Meanwhile, the Colombian Geological Survey estimated the earthquake at magnitude 6.6.
The earthquake also caused damage to airport infrastructure. Authorities suspended flights at the airports of Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago and Buenaventura until inspections for possible damage were completed.
Search and rescue operations continue in the most affected areas, while authorities do not rule out the possibility that the death toll will increase.