A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing more than 100 people and causing widespread damage across several major cities, including Cali, Pereira and Manizales.
Deadly earthquake causes widespread destruction
The earthquake struck at 7:34 a.m. local time on Monday, with its epicentre located in the Chocó department of western Colombia, according to the U.S. and Colombian geological surveys.
Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said 111 people had died, 87 were injured and 61 buildings had collapsed following the disaster. The government declared a national state of emergency and deployed emergency teams to rescue people trapped under rubble.
The western regions of Colombia suffered the greatest impact, with authorities reporting deaths and severe damage in Valle del Cauca, Risaralda and Caldas.
Major cities report building collapses
In Pereira, the capital of Risaralda department, authorities reported 40 deaths and dozens of collapsed buildings. Mayor Mauricio Salazar declared a curfew and said 65 buildings had collapsed, with people believed to be trapped inside several structures.
In Cali, Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed, with some residents still trapped. He urged people to remain calm and inspect buildings for structural damage before returning inside.
Manizales also suffered significant destruction, with Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas Giraldo reporting damage to at least 12 buildings and 20 homes.
Rescue operations continue after earthquake
Emergency crews continued searching damaged buildings for survivors, while hospitals in affected areas treated large numbers of injured residents.
Videos shared on social media showed rescue efforts in Cali and building collapses in Manizales and Pereira, including damage to part of San José church in Pereira.
Authorities warned residents to remain outside damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks.
Government launches emergency response
President de la Espriella said the national government had activated all available resources to assist affected communities and coordinate rescue operations.
The government ordered an emergency meeting of the national disaster management committee and said officials would continue providing updates as rescue and recovery efforts progressed.
Aviation authorities reported damage at several airports, including facilities in Pereira, Manizales, Quibdó, Cartago, Armenia and Buenaventura.
International support offered to Colombia
The earthquake occurred weeks after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast, causing thousands of deaths.
The U.S. government announced an emergency aid package worth $15.5 million to support Colombia following the disaster.
