Over 110 killed in massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia
A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday morning, causing widespread devastation, collapsing dozens of buildings, and leaving at least 111 people dead and 87 injured. The seismic shock, centered in the remote Chocó region near San José del Palmar, was felt across the country—including the capital, Bogotá—as well as in neighboring Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Following the disaster, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of national emergency, deploying military and rescue capabilities to spearhead immediate search and relief operations.
The earthquake inflicted severe damage across several major cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó, and Manizales. In Pereira and Cali alone, tens of buildings completely collapsed, leaving scores of victims trapped beneath concrete rubble. Rescue workers, emergency personnel, and local volunteers formed human chains to sift through debris using picks, shovels, and bare hands in a desperate bid to locate survivors. Curfews and emergency red alerts were swiftly implemented across multiple municipalities to protect damaged areas and manage overwhelmed hospital facilities.
In response to the crisis, the Colombian government allocated immediate financial resources and humanitarian aid to assist over 1,400 affected families, while introducing temporary rental subsidies for those whose homes were destroyed. International support was rapidly pledged, including $15.5 million in emergency relief from the United States to assist with shelter, food, and disaster assessments. With search and rescue efforts continuing around the clock, authorities warn that the casualty toll could rise as teams reach isolated communities near the epicentre.
