Colombia declares national disaster after massive earthquake

Colombia has declared a national disaster as rescue crews continue searching for survivors following a massive earthquake that devastated parts of the country Monday.

(CNN)- Colombia has declared a national disaster as rescue crews continue searching for survivors following a massive earthquake that devastated parts of the country Monday.

Colombia’s president toured damaged areas Tuesday as the country’s military deployed forces to some of the hardest-hit communities.

Officials say some areas near the earthquake’s epicenter remain difficult to reach and have yet to receive assistance. An Indigenous leader said some communities are still waiting for help, while a United Nations official stressed that distributing food will be critical in the coming days.

International aid organizations are also mobilizing. Global Empowerment Mission says it has already deployed a team to Colombia to assist with relief efforts.

“The devastation is vast and it covers a large geographical area,” board member Francine de la Rosa said.

Meanwhile, emergency responders and volunteers are racing to locate people who may still be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Video captured the moment rescuers pulled an infant alive from the rubble of an apartment building. One of the rescuers said civilians joined the effort after hearing someone trapped beneath the debris calling for help.

Colombian authorities are also deploying specialized search-and-rescue dogs, which police say are playing a key role in efforts to locate survivors.

World leaders have offered assistance as Colombia continues assessing the full extent of the destruction.