Deadly 7.4 quake rocks Colombia, 111 killed

BOGOTA: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has killed at least 111 people and injured 87 others in western Colombia, leaving communities grappling with widespread destruction and fears that more victims remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

The earthquake struck on Monday, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó region. The powerful tremor was felt across a wide area and caused buildings to collapse in several locations.

Emergency crews have been working through piles of concrete, bricks and debris as they search for survivors. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams reach areas where communication and access remain difficult.

The disaster has caused severe damage in cities including Pereira, Cali and Manizales, while infrastructure and public services have also been affected. Rescue workers have been using heavy machinery alongside manual searches to reach people believed to be trapped under the rubble.

Colombian authorities have mobilised emergency resources and launched a large-scale response operation. The government has also declared a national disaster as officials assess the full extent of the destruction.

The earthquake has left families anxiously waiting for news of relatives who remain missing, while hospitals and emergency services continue treating the injured.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are urging residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and avoid entering damaged structures.

With 111 lives already lost, the focus remains firmly on finding survivors and bringing urgent assistance to communities devastated by the powerful quake.