Colombia declares emergency after devastating earthquake (VIDEOS)

The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck western Colombia has risen to at least 169, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales).

The association said on Tuesday that 165 of the fatalities had been recorded in four regional capitals, accounting for more than 97% of the nationwide death toll.

At least 668 people have been injured and 165 buildings have collapsed in the cities, Asocapitales said, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas.

The magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck on Monday, with its epicenter in western Colombia, affecting the departments of Valle del Cauca, Caldas, Choco, and Risaralda.

Harrowing footage shows people fleeing shaking and collapsing buildings. A disturbing video filmed in Cali appears to show four people being crushed by a falling balcony as they fled a clinic.

Other videos show parts of buildings breaking away during the tremors.

Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder imposed a curfew from 8 PM to 6 AM to maintain order, saying that police and military personnel would patrol the city and help search for survivors.

The US State Department pledged $15.5 million in emergency aid to Colombia for “shelter, food, protection, and earthquake assessments.”

Twin earthquakes struck neighboring Venezuela in June, killing more than 6,300 people.