Rescuers Pull Baby From Ruins After Colombia Earthquake

The number of victims rose through Tuesday, and different sources gave different figures. The Colombian Association of Capital Cities said 132 people had died and more than 570 were injured by Monday afternoon. By Tuesday, President Abelardo de la Espriella said at least 181 people had died and 2,595 were hurt, while the federal government's last official update still listed 111. About 1,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed. The Associated Press (AP) reported more than 3,000 people missing, and citizen-run databases put the number closer to 4,000.

De la Espriella, who took office only days before the earthquake, declared a national state of emergency. He sent the army, the police, engineers and search dogs into the region. Curfews began in three cities, and the mayor of Cali said threats of looting had forced him to put police and soldiers on the streets. Airports in six cities were damaged. Help arrived quickly from abroad. The United States promised $15.5 million for shelter, food and earthquake assessments. Mexico offered hundreds of rescue and medical workers, and El Salvador said it would send 100 tonnes of supplies.